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CONSIDERATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF A DONATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $810 FROM INGRID ROBBINS TO BE USED BY THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO PURCHASE A PROTECTIVE VEST FOR A POLICE K9 OFFICER AND BUDGET APPROPRIATION
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BACKGROUND: The Norman Police K9 unit uses highly specialized teams of officers and trained canines to locate suspects and evidence at or near crime scenes and to provide protection and backup for officers when possible and practice. Two of Norman's three Patrol K9s have protective vests to help ensure safety during the performance of job duties. The only Norman Patrol K9 not assigned a protective vest is K9 Remco. Norman citizen Ingrid Robbins wants to ensure that all Police Patrol K9s have an assigned protective vest to mitigate attacks by firearm or knife and has donated funds in the amount of $810 for that specific purpose.
DISCUSSION: Section 8-111 of the City Code requires acceptance of donations in excess of $250 by City Council prior to use or disbursement of such funds. Consistent with the wishes of Ms. Robbins, these funds will be used to purchase a protective vest for Patrol K9 Remco. As part of our continuing commitment to the safety of our officers, both human and canine, the use of these funds to purchase a protective vest will offer increased options for avoiding injury during specific violent events.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended the City of Norman accept the donation of $810 from Ingrid Robbins and deposit those funds into Citizen Donation (010-0000-365.13-72) and appropriate the funds to Staff Services Safety Equipment (010-6015-421.51-21).