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RESOLUTION R-1819-24: A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORMAN, OKLAHOMA, APPROPRIATING $74,000 FROM THE FEDERAL SEIZURES AND RESTITUTION FUND BALANCE TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR TWO POLICE MOTORCYCLES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT AS WELL AS TO PURCHASE STATE IDENTIFICATION CARDS, DRIVER’S LICENSES OR BIRTH CERTIFICATES FOR MEMBERS OF NORMAN’S HOMELESS COMMUNITY.
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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 aspects of the services should include continued collaborating with community organizations and community members to help better the overall quality of life for Norman citizens. The services also require officers to possess equipment capable of assist in educating and enforcing laws.
Awarded Federal Seizure funds come from 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 forfeited property along with other law enforcement agencies participating in the law enforcement activities. United States Federal Code allows that money or property awarded to law enforcement agencies to be used for police-related operations. This item asks Council to appropriate Federal 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 the Norman Police Traffic Unit to purchase two police equipped motorcycles and other needed equipment to support those units. The funding needed for the Norman Police Department to receive and maintain the identified units is not available in fiscal year 2018-2019 budget.
Purchased in late 2012, both of the current motorcycles are now out of maintenance warranty. The cost to continue to maintain both these motorcycles has become excessive due to their age, daily use and maintenance facility location. The closest maintenance facility for the current make of motorcycles is in Texas.
The Norman Police Traffic Unit has proven to be an excellent resource for both the education and enforcement of traffic laws. The motorcycle units made over 3600 contacts in 2017. The traffic contacts were both warnings and citations. Throughout the last five years, motorcycles were used in parades, escorts and community gatherings. Although not an exhaustive list, these units provide an increased level of abilities for the members of the Norman Police Department and the citizens, which they serve.
The estimated cost of two police equipped motorcycles is $70,000.
One of the ways the Police Department can better assist members of the homeless community is helping them receive Oklahoma State Identifications or Oklahoma State Driver’s Licenses. These documents can help stabilize the lives of the homeless and help them gain better access to needed community resources. The Department is requesting funding ($4,000) to purchase State Identifications or Driver Licenses and Birth Certificates for the homeless population. The Department is collaborating with the Continuum of Care here in Norman.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that $74,000 be appropriated from the Federal Seizure Fund Balance (account 025-0000-253-2000) to the following accounts: $70,000 to Service Equipment/Other- (025-6038-421.50-99) and $4,000 to Professional Services/Community Intervention (025-6038-421.40-29).