Agenda Date: 3/06/2018
Subject:
Title
Resolution approving Memorandum of Understanding between the Littleton Police Department and the United States Secret Service
Body
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Presented By: |
Doug Stephens, Chief of Police |
REQUESTED COUNCIL ACTION:
Does city council support a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Littleton Police Department (LPD) and the U.S. Secret Service allowing participation in the Colorado and Wyoming Financial Crimes Task Force?
BACKGROUND:
Financial related criminal activity has increased dramatically throughout the nation as advancements in technology have made it easier for criminals to commit these types of crimes. Littleton has seen a steady increase in criminal activity involving identity theft, fraud, fraudulent use of credit cards, the use of skimming devices, and other similar crimes.
LPD detectives currently investigate financial crimes occurring in the City of Littleton. Due to the increasing complexity of these types of crimes, investigating these offenses is very resource-intensive. In addition, the success rate of identifying and prosecuting offenders is low due to the limited resources available for local jurisdictions to fully investigate these complex offenses.
The U.S. Secret Service is responsible for the investigation of financial crimes at the federal level. The Colorado and Wyoming Financial Crimes Task Force brings local, state, and federal law enforcement resources together to more efficiently and effectively investigate and prosecute pattern and/or prolific financial crimes. Members of the task force are eligible to receive reimbursement from the Secret Service for expenses related to the investigation of financial crimes occurring in local jurisdictions including investigator overtime, equipment, and training for member agency personnel.
Membership on the task force does not require full-time assignment of LPD personnel. Instead, task force members complete investigations at their home agency utilizing the additional available resources of the task force. Task force members share information on investigations across jurisdictional boundaries allowing for more efficient and effective identification of offenders and pattern offenses.
PRIOR ACTIONS OR DISCUSSIONS:
None.
STAFF ANALYSIS:
Membership on the Colorado and Wyoming Financial Crimes Task Force will greatly enhance the ability of LPD detectives to conduct successful investigations related to financial crimes occurring in Littleton. The availability of task force resources will expand the ability to identify and successfully prosecute those involved in these complex crimes.
OPTIONS/ALTERNATIVES:
Do not approve the MOU and continue to investigate financial crimes utilizing local resources.
FISCAL IMPACTS:
There is no staffing requirement for this task force. Members will continue to work at their home agency but will share information and resources to collaboratively investigate pattern criminal offenses crossing jurisdictional boundaries.
The U.S. Secret Service will reimburse member agency overtime, training, and equipment expenses related to the investigation of financial crimes.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends council approve the resolution approving the MOU between the Littleton Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service.
PROPOSED MOTION:
Proposed Motion
I move to approve the resolution approving the Memorandum of Understanding between the Littleton Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service.