Title
Use of Asset Forfeiture Funds
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the expenditure of $10,734.24 for firearms accessories from the Asset Forfeiture Fund.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the expenditure of $10,734.24 for firearms accessories from the Asset Forfeiture Fund.
Staff Contact:
Laura Wohl, Administrative Services Manager
Olympia Police Department
360.753.8214
Presenter(s):
Laura Wohl, Administrative Services Manager
Olympia Police Department
Background and Analysis:
The Olympia Police Department completed a large asset forfeiture process in late 2001, following criminal convictions in a homicide case. The net proceeds, $369,247, were placed in the Special Accounts Control Fund, Seizure and Forfeiture Account ("Asset Forfeiture Fund"). By statute, money seized and/or forfeited as a result of criminal behavior must be used "exclusively for the expansion and improvement of law enforcement activities," and the funds may not be used to supplant pre-existing funding sources (RCW 10.105.010).
When the Asset Forfeiture Fund was established in 2002, Council determined that the primary purposes for its use were to invest in employees by providing them with special training and educational opportunities and to fund one-time expenditures for equipment.
The Department took an opportunity to take advantage of a special exchange program to replace all of our duty weapons at no cost to the Department when replacement was needed in 2011. The only expense incurred was for firearms accessories, such as holsters and sights.
The company failed to bill the Department until December 2016. The Department is requesting that the current Finance Committee approve the expenditure from the Asset Forfeiture Fund given the long period that has passed between the original approval and the current billing.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
N/A
Options:
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