TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: Peter D. Lear, CPA, CGMA, City Manager
TITLE: Approve the Memorandum of Understanding Between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the City of North Port for the Enforcement of Laws Relating to HSI Jurisdiction and a Memorandum of Understanding Between Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the City of North Port for the Reimbursement of Joint Operations Expenses.
Recommended Action
Approve the two Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations and the City of North Port.
Background Information
The North Port Police Department (NPPD) is requesting to enter into a partnership with the United States Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). HSI has a long-standing program across the entire country that enables local law enforcement to partner with HSI in conducting criminal investigations. The most common areas of investigative assistance are in illegal drug investigations, child sexual exploitation, homeland security, and financial crimes. HSI has a program in which local law enforcement agencies can receive federal funding to assist with overtime and equipment. The funds are available for any joint investigation that is undertaken by the NPPD and with the assistance of HSI. The program also creates the ability for asset sharing under the Federal Forfeiture Program. On federal forfeitures, HSI handles all the legal/court requirements and the seizure of assets. Assets are then distributed based upon agency(ies) involvement in the federal investigation. Additionally, the program allows the federal deputation of NPPD officers to take cases federally that warrant federal prosecution. The partnership requires no time or financial commitment to HSI.
Along with the MOU is a second MOU between Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Local, County, or State Law Enfor...
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