TITLE
Recommendation to approve the expenditure of $5,000 in the General Fund Group as a reward for information leading to the identification and conviction of the individuals responsible for the desecration of Martin Luther King, Jr. statue on July 2, 2021.
DISCUSSION
On July 2, 2021, at approximately 3:18pm, officers were dispatched to Martin Luther King, Jr. Park located at 1950 Lemon Avenue in Long Beach regarding a reported act of hate/bias-motivated vandalism. Upon arrival, officers discovered a swastika and lightning bolts spray painted on the statue of Martin Luther King, Jr. The graffiti was removed by the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department and an investigation related to this incident was launched. Patrol Officers and Detectives canvassed the area for witnesses and video. Detectives and Patrol Officers continue to go to the park in an attempt to locate witnesses. Currently, the Police Department has no suspect description or workable leads. The City of Long Beach would like to enlist the help of the public by offering a reward for any information leading to the arrest of a suspect(s).
To assist in the continuing investigation, ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) has proposed offering an initial $3,000 toward a reward leading to the conviction of the individuals responsible for this crime. The City of Long Beach will contribute up to $5,000, for a total reward of up to $8,000. Together, this reward could be beneficial to the ongoing investigation.
STATEMENT OF URGENCY
This urgent item is being submitted through supplemental agenda to allow for timely funds processing.
FISCAL IMPACT
This recommendation requests authorization for a $5,000 reward payment for information leading to the identification and conviction of the individuals responsible for the desecration of the Martin Luther King, Jr. statue on July 2, 2021. The funding source for this payment has not been identified and will likely add to the projected General Fund shortfall for FY 21. Staff will request an appropriation increase at a later time for the disbursement of these funds once the recipient of the reward has been determined. No Financial Management review was able to be conducted due to the urgency and time sensitivity of this item.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
[Enter Body Here]
Respectfully Submitted,
SUELY SARO
COUNCILWOMAN, SIXTH DISTRICT