Consent Calendar Item 4e
STAFF REPORT
City Council Consent Calendar Agenda Item
DATE: March 2, 2022
TO: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
FROM: Casey Day, Chief of Police
THROUGH: Merritt Perry, City Manager
SUBJECT: Memorandum of Understanding - Humboldt County Drug Task Force STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends Council review and approve the updated Humboldt County Drug Task Force Memorandum of Understanding between participating agencies.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
On Wednesday, April 13, 2022, the executive board of the Humboldt County Drug Task Force (HCDTF) voted unanimously to accept all updates to the joint Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The purpose of the MOU is to set forth the responsibilities of the participating agencies as they relate to the HCDTF. Working in collaboration, participating agencies will enforce the controlled substance laws of the State of California, found in the California Health and Safety Code. Applicable federal laws relating to the trafficking of controlled substances are also enforced.
The task force concept ensures well-coordinated narcotic enforcement regionally, and increase the flow of narcotic related intelligence information between the various law enforcement agencies throughout Humboldt County.
Trafficking and abuse of drugs in the United States affects nearly all aspects of life within the community. The economic cost alone is immense and the damage caused by drug abuse and addiction can be seen in an overburdened justice system, strained healthcare system, lost productivity, and environmental destruction. HCDTF’s ability to reduce the impact of drug crimes through investigation of individuals and organizations involved in narcotics trafficking and organized crime is imperative to the overall safety of the community. The integration of the Fortuna Police Officer with HCDTF provides the resources needed to enhance public safety in the Eel River Valley by reducing drug related crimes and the byproduct of threats to public safety caused by illicit drug trafficking. In addition, the City of Fortuna receives equitable sharing of asset seizure funds through Fortuna Police Department’s participation in HCDTF.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
No fiscal impact.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
Approve the Humboldt County Drug Task Force Memorandum of Understanding. Consent Agenda vote.
Consent Calendar Item 4e
ATTACHMENTS:
Humboldt County Drug Task Force Memorandum of Understanding