TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute a Memorandum of Agreement, and all necessary documents including any subsequent amendments, with the United States Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), to participate in, and receive reimbursement for participation in the ATF Task Force, for the period of January 1, 2022 to September 30, 2025. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested for the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the United States Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), to participate in the ATF Task Force and receive reimbursement of overtime and other pre-approved expenses, including but not limited to: travel, fuel, training, and equipment, incurred by the LBPD in providing resources to assist in joint law enforcement operations.
The ATF partners with state and local law enforcement agencies utilizing taskforce operations to leverage multi-agency intelligence and manpower to combat gun violence. One LBPD ATF Task Force Officer (TFO) will, on a part-time basis, work with ATF agents to identify and target groups responsible for firearms trafficking and investigate firearms related violent crime. The taskforce gathers and analyzes data related to firearms trafficking and completes undercover operations, when appropriate. The TFO files criminal cases resulting from their investigations with the Assistant U.S. Attorney or with the local District Attorney.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Arturo D. Sanchez and Budget Analysis Officer Greg Sorensen on December 8, 2021.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on January 4, 2022, to ensure the MOA is in place expeditiously.
FISCAL IMPACT
Participation in regional violent crime reduction operations is essential to impacting gun violence and illegal firearm trafficking. This MOA formalizes the relationship with the regional coordinating agency for these activities. Reimbursement of costs is not guaranteed and therefore is not used to determine participation in the taskforce operations. Participation in the taskforce is based on LBPD staffing, available budget, and operational needs, as determined by the Chief of Police. When available, reimbursement of costs will not exceed 25 percent of a federal GS-12 Step 1 salary, currently set at approximately $22,122 a year. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
ROBERT G. LUNA
CHIEF OF POLICE
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER