Title
A resolution authorizing the Intergovernmental Agreement establishing the administration and governance of the Metro Vice, Narcotics and Intelligence Division
Presenter:
Peter Carey, Chief of Police
Body
Summary:
The attached Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) formalizes the authority and responsibilities of each participating law enforcement agency and the sworn and civilian employees assigned to the Metro Vice, Narcotics and Intelligence Division (Metro VNI).
Previous Council Action:
N/A
Background:
Metro VNI was established in 1983 as a multi-jurisdictional division to provide regional investigative and enforcement resources related to the illegal sale, possession, distribution, or manufacturing of controlled substances; to investigate and gather intelligence on criminal activity related to prostitution, human trafficking, gambling, liquor, and organized crime; and, to conduct civil seizures of assets gained by criminals through various illegal activities.
Each assigned sworn member has full peace officer authority and arrest powers within the Fourth Judicial District via a deputy commission in both El Paso and Teller Counties in addition to the authority granted by their home agency. When appropriate, all vice, organized crime and narcotics cases/arrests generated by the participating member agencies will be forwarded to Metro VNI. Metro VNI is then responsible for final investigation and filing of charges using shared, regional resources.
Since its inception, Metro VNI’s roles and responsibilities have been established by various Memorandums of Commitment and Memorandums of Understanding. The City is now formalizing the administration and governance of Metro VNI through the IGA.
This item supports the City’s strategic goal of promoting job creation by supporting the initiative of addressing public safety issues that impact our image and attractiveness to new businesses and residents.
Financial Implications:
The City, through the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD), budgets for personnel and operating costs using General Fund and Public Safety Sales Tax funding. Without the benefit of this multi-jurisdictional approach, CSPD would need to assign additional City resources to address vice, narcotic, and intelligence issues in our community.
Board/Commission Recommendation:
N/A
Stakeholder Process:
The proposed IGA has been discussed with all participating agencies. The Special Investigation Fund Executive Board which consists of the representatives from CSPD, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, the Fountain Police Department, and the 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office reviewed the IGA and recommended approval of the IGA by all of its members.
Alternatives:
1) Adopt the resolution with no modifications authorizing approval of the IGA.
2) Modify the resolution.
3) Decline to adopt the proposed resolution.
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
Move to approve a resolution authorizing the Intergovernmental Agreement establishing the administration and governance of the Metro Vice, Narcotics and Intelligence Division.
Summary of Ordinance Language
N/A