Agenda Date: 2/05/2019
Subject:
Title
A resolution approving a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Littleton Police Department (LPD) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for participation on the Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Violent Crime Task Force.
Body
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Presented By: |
Doug Stephens, Chief of Police |
REQUESTED COUNCIL ACTION:
Does city council support an MOU between the LPD and the FBI for participation on the Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Violent Crime Task Force (RMSSTF)?
BACKGROUND:
The LPD participates on multi-jurisdictional task forces as a way to increase its ability to respond to and investigate complex criminal events. Participation on task forces provides access to additional personnel and specialized equipment for use in investigations or major incidents occurring in Littleton.
The FBI’s RMSSTF is a multi-jurisdictional collaborative task force focusing on violent crime and criminals including but not limited to: mass killings, carjacking, robbery, kidnapping, and firearm violations. The task force utilizes local, state, and federal law enforcement and civilian support personnel to conduct well-coordinated investigations seeking the most effective investigative and prosucatory avenues by which to convict and incarcerate dangerous offenders. Offenders are subject to state and/or federal prosecution for offenses investigated by the RMSSTF.
The LPD has called on the RMSSTF in the past for assistance with major investigations including missing persons, homicides, and violent robberies. The assistance of the task force and the resources it brings to bear, has been instrumental in the successful identification and prosecution of violent offenders who have committed crimes in Littleton.
PRIOR ACTIONS OR DISCUSSIONS:
None
STAFF ANALYSIS:
The LPD will benefit greatly by participation on the RMSSTF through the ability to call upon multi-jurisdictional investigators, support staff, and specialized equipment to respond to major incidents or investigations occurring in Littleton. The ability to immediately access local, state, and federal resources as a member of the task force greatly increases the LPD’s ability to keep the Littleton community safe.
As a member of the RMSSTF, the LPD detective assigned to the task force will receive advanced training in investigations not normally available to LPD personnel. The LPD task force member will participate in cross-jurisdictional investigations including participating in federal prosecutions. The training and experience provided to task force members also benefits the LPD upon the completion of the detective’s assignment to the task force. Detective’s returning from task force assignments are better trained and have received invaluable experience which they then apply to their daily work in the LPD Investigations Unit.
One of the strengths of the LPD is its strong collaborative partnerships with fellow law enforcement agencies on the local, state, and federal level. Participation on the RMSSTF will build upon those relationships and enhance the LPD’s effectiveness and efficiency.
No additional staffing is required for this assignment as the LPD plans to re-assign a detective currently assigned to the Arapahoe County Narcotics Team (ACNT). It is staff’s assessment that the Littleton community will be better served by participation on the RMSSTF due to the nature of crimes investigated and the enhanced resources available to members of the RMSSTF.
OPTIONS/ALTERNATIVES:
Do not approve the MOU to participate on the RMSSTF.
The designated LPD detective will be reassigned to the LPD Investigations Unit.
FISCAL IMPACTS:
There is a positive fiscal impact to the city for participation on the RMSSTF. Overtime compensation for task force members is reimbursed by the federal government as outlined in the Cost Reimbursement Agreement. In addition, task force members are provided a vehicle by the FBI for use while assigned to the RMSSTF.
Currently, the LPD pays for overtime and a vehicle for detectives assigned to the ACNT as part of the department’s annual operating budget. By reassigning the detective to the RMSSTF, the LPD increases effectiveness and decreases costs.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends council approve the resolution approving the MOU between the LPD and FBI for participation on the Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Violent Crimes Task Force.
PROPOSED MOTION:
Proposed Motion
I move to approve the resolution approving a Memorandum of Understanding between the Littleton Police Department and the FBI for participation on the Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Violent Crimes Task Force.