1 STAFF REPORT
DATE: February 4, 2025
TO: Justin Hess, City Manager
FROM: Michael Albanese, Chief of Police
BY: Viviana Garzon, Police Administrator
SUBJECT: Approval of a Memorandum of Understanding Between the Burbank Police Department and the United States Capitol Police to Assist with Protective Services for Congressional Events and/or Protective Operations
RECOMMENDATION
Approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Burbank Police Department (Department) and the United States Capitol Police (Attachment 1) to assist with protective services for congressional events and/or protective operations as needed, and authorize the Chief of Police to execute all necessary documents to effectuate the agreement.
BACKGROUND
On November 5, 2024, Congressman Adam Schiff was elected to the United States Senate. The U nited States Capitol Police (USCP) has a statutory obligation under 2 U.S.C. §1966 to protect members of Congress when security considerations require it. To fulfill this obligation , USCP seeks to enhance its capabilities by obtaining law enforcement support within the jurisdictions where a sitting Senator resides or conducts business. This collaboration ensures a coordinated approach to security operations and enables an effective response to potential threats.
Senator Schiff will continue to conduct business within the City of Burbank’s jurisdiction. As a result, the USCP has requested the cooperation and support of the Department to assist with protective services at events and during protective operations on an as -needed basis, subject to resource availability. These services may include fixed control posts, site security, perimeter crowd control, and other measures depending on factors such as venue, event duration, and crowd size.
POLICE
DEPARTMENT
2 DISCUSSION
The MOU establishes a framework for cooperation between the Department and the USCP while outlining the roles and responsibilities of both parties. Under the agreement, the Department’s support will be provided only when sufficient resources are available.
Additionally, the Department will be fully reimbursed for all costs incurred as a result of staff deployment for events and protective services requested by USCP . This includes compensation for officers’ time at the standard hourly rate, as well as overtime pay where applicable. This reimbursement structure ensures that the Department is not financially burdened by providing these additional services. The rates for reimbursement may be adjusted annually to account for changes in staffing costs, compensation structures, or other operational expenses that could affect the Department’s ability to provide such services. This ensures that both parties remain aligned in terms of expectations and financial responsibilities throughout the duration of the agreement.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The approval of this MOU is a ministerial action and has no potential to cause either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. As such, it is not a “project” subject to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) 14 Cal. Code Regs § 15378.
FISCAL IMPACT
The approval of the MOU does not have a fiscal impact to the City. The City would be reimbursed for the cost of staff time provided by the Department to the USCP for events and/or protective services, on an as needed basis.
CONCLUSION
The Department is dedicated to providing professional police services that protect life and property. By working in coordination with the USCP, the Department will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of Congressional protectees while also maintaining public security within the City . This partnership reinforces the ongoing commitment of both agencies to protecting elected officials and upholding public safety standards.
ATTACHMENT
Attachment 1 – Memorandum of Understanding