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RESOLUTION R-1718-78: A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORMAN, OKLAHOMA, APPROPRIATING $30,700 FROM THE STATE SEIZURES AND RESTITUTIONS FUND BALANCE TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR EVIDENCE COLLECTION EQUIPMENT, SAFETY EQUIPMENT FOR SPECIAL TEAM ACTIVITIES, AND A TRAINED POLICE CANINE TEAM.
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BACKGROUND: The mission of the Norman Police Department is to maintain and enhance the quality of life in the City of Norman by protecting life, liberty, property, and keeping the peace. The pursuit of this mission requires specific capabilities be acquired and maintained to deliver the expected police services. The Norman Police Department must possess equipment capable of documenting evidence of crimes. The Department has to protect and limit liability in the areas of employee safety. Finally, the Department needs the tools and training to provide better service to the community.
State Seizure funds are awarded to the City of Norman following Norman Police Department activity associated with the enforcement of narcotics and illegal drug laws. Money or property seized during this law enforcement activity is subject to forfeiture following a judicial review and finding that such a seizure is appropriate. Typically, the City of Norman will receive a share of the forfeited property along with other law enforcement agencies participating in the law enforcement activities. Oklahoma State Statutes allow money or property awarded to law enforcement agencies to be used by those agencies for their operations. This agenda item asks Council to appropriate State Seizure Fund balance into Norman Police Department operational accounts for use toward the accomplishment of the specified law enforcement purposes.
DISCUSSION: The appropriation requested will fund evidence collection equipment for first responders, safety equipment for special team activities, and a trained police canine team. The funding needed for the Norman Police Department to maintain the identif...
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