TO: Mayor and City Commission
FROM: Cale Curtis, City Manager
DATE: November 6, 2019
Title
RESOLUTION - APPROVING PURCHASE OF TWO DRONES AND ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT TO ENHANCE THE CAPABILITIES OF THE MARGATE POLICE DEPARTMENT UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS UNIT (UAS); PROVIDING FOR FUNDING FROM THE STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT TRUST FUND; PROVIDING FOR EFFECTIVE DATE.
BACKGROUND: The Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Unit was created to enhance the availability and affordability of air support for public safety uses. The Margate Police Department utilizes UAS to assist in Law Enforcement operations related to qualified calls for services or operations. The safety of all people is the primary concerns during every operation.
The Margate Police Department is requesting the authorization to utilize State Law Enforcement Forfeiture Funds to acquire two (2) drones and related equipment to enhance the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Unit. Currently, this unit is operating one (1) drone that was purchased in 2016 and has limited functionality and outdated technological capabilities.
Due to the law enforcement need for this expenditure, and absent appropriated funds, I am respectfully requesting to fund this acquisition via the State Justice Law Enforcement Trust Fund account. This acquisition is an appropriate expenditure under the permissible usages of equitable shared funds that are necessary to perform official law enforcement operations.
RECOMMENDATION: Approval
FISCAL IMPACT: Funded through the Law Enforcement Trust Fund Account
Not to Exceed $8,000
118-1810-521-30-01 (State)
CONTACT PERSON: Jonathan S. Shaw, Chief of Police