TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: Approve the Equitable Sharing Agreement and Certification Between the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of Treasury, and the City of North Port, Florida Related to the Used of Federally Forfeited Funds.
Recommended Action
Approve the Equitable Sharing Agreement and Certification between the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of Treasury, and the City of North Port, Florida.
Background Information
The mission of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Asset Forfeiture Programs (Program) is to use asset forfeitures as a powerful law enforcement tool for disrupting and dismantling criminal enterprises. One of the benefits of these forfeitures is the potential to share federal forfeiture proceeds with state and local law enforcement agencies through equitable sharing. The Program is funded by the Assets Forfeiture Fund, which was established as a special fund within the U.S. Department of Treasury to receive the proceeds of federal forfeitures.
The Program may provide valuable additional resources to the City of North Port, Florida (City). As a participant, an equitable share of the net proceeds of a forfeiture may be requested when the City’s police department directly participates in an investigation or prosecution that results in a federal forfeiture. Although it did not receive or expend any federal funds from the Department of Treasury in 2023, the Agreement and Certification is required annually to remain compliant with the Program guidelines and reporting requirements.
The Agreement and Certification has been reviewed by the City Attorney and is legally correct as to form.
Strategic Plan
Enhance services and expand availability of resources provided to residents.
Financial Impact
Failure to submit the Agreement and Certification will result in the City becoming ineligible for participation in the Program.
Procurement
Not Applicable.
Attachments:
1. 2023 Equitable Sharing Agreement and Certification
2. 2022 Equitable Sharing Agreement and Certification
3. Guide to Equitable Sharing
Prepared by: Christopher Morales, Deputy Chief of Police
Department Director: Todd R. Garrison, Chief of Police