…title
ITEM: RESOLUTION NO. R2015-77 (PALM BEACH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE DISTRICT 8 WELLINGTON REQUEST FOR USE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT TRUST FUNDS (LETF) FOR THE PURCHASE OF ANTI-THEFT STOP TAGS)
A RESOLUTION OF WELLINGTON, FLORIDA’S COUNCIL AMENDING THE PUBLIC SAFETY SUB-FUND BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015/2016 BY COMMITTING MONIES FROM PRIOR YEAR REVENUES TO OPERATING EXPENSE FOR THE PURCHASE OF ANTI-THEFT STOP TAGS; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
REQUEST: Approval of a request from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office District 8 Wellington to utilize Law Enforcement Trust Funds (LETF) for the purchase of STOP anti-theft tags and Budget Amendment #2016-001.
…body
EXPLANATION: Lieutenant Eli Shaivitz of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office District 8 Wellington Substation has submitted a request to utilize Law Enforcement Trust Funds (LETF) for the purchase of STOP Anti-Theft tags. With burglaries on the rise recently, STOP Anti-Theft tags would provide a needed deterrent and means for recovery of stolen items. The STOP tags are metal tags applied with a strong adhesive which causes substantial damage to the item in the event removal is attempted. Additionally, if the tag is removed, a “tattoo” with “Stolen Property” is left on the item along with an 800 number. Tracking and recovery is provided via the toll free number. The program has seen great success at academic institutions such as Columbia University, Boston University and California State. PBSO plans to gradually introduce these into the community beginning with Wellington’s established Crime Watch groups. The one-time purchase includes lifetime tracking and transfer should the item be sold.
Funds requested will be utilized to cover costs as follows:
Purchase of 500 STOP Tags, installation gel and shipping $4,477
Pursuant to Chapter 932.7055, FS: Application must be “in compliance with the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act and Florida Statutes with approval by Wellington. Upon appropriation, such funds shall be made available to the Sheriff for its designated use within the confines of Wellington.” Also, “All fines and forfeitures levied and collected pursuant to Chapter 316 FS, as the same may be amended from time to time, shall be forwarded to Wellington consistent with the distribution requirements of Section 318.21 FS.” Expenditures “shall be used for school resource officer, crime prevention, safe neighborhood, drug abuse education and prevention programs, or for other law enforcement purposes, which include defraying the cost of protracted or complex investigations, providing additional equipment or expertise, purchasing automated external defibrillators for use in law enforcement vehicles, and providing matching funds to obtain federal grants. The proceeds and interest may not be used to meet normal operating expenses of the law enforcement agency.”
This request is consistent with statutory guidelines and complies with F.S. Chapter 932.7055 (5) as well as the contractual agreement between the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and the Village of Wellington, provided this request is approved.
BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRED: YES
PUBLIC HEARING: NO QUASI-JUDICIAL:
FIRST READING: SECOND READING:
LEGAL SUFFICIENCY: YES
FISCAL IMPACT: Adequate funds exist in current and prior years within Wellington’s Law Enforcement Trust Fund Account to cover this expenditure request.
WELLINGTON FUNDAMENTAL: Protecting our Investment
RECOMMENDATION: Approval of a request from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office District 8 Wellington to utilize Law Enforcement Trust Funds (LETF) for the purchase of STOP anti-theft tags and Budget Amendment #2016-001.