DATE: November 19, 2024
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Chief of Police
SUBJECT: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Appropriate $45,000 from the Asset Forfeiture Fund (265) to the General Fund (100) to Purchase New Equipment for the Hayward Police Department’s Wellness Center
RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council adopts a resolution (Attachment II) authorizing the City Manager to appropriate $45,000 from the Asset Forfeiture Fund (265) to the General Fund (100) to purchase new equipment for the Hayward Police Department’s Wellness Center.
SUMMARY
The Hayward Police Department (HPD) strives to continue to prioritize the health and well-being of our sworn and professional staff and requests the use of asset forfeiture funds to replace broken and outdated wellness equipment at the department’s Wellness Center. Currently, a significant portion of the equipment has become unreliable, posing risks to both physical safety and overall wellness. Staff requests the appropriation and transfer of $45,000 from the Asset Forfeiture Fund (265) to the General Fund (100) to purchase new equipment.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
The current wellness equipment at the HPD Wellness Center was originally purchased in 2005, and since then, several key machines—such as the treadmill, elliptical trainer, and weight machines—have become outdated, broken, or are no longer functioning properly. These pieces of equipment are frequently out of service due to mechanical failures or general wear and tear, resulting in extended periods of unavailability. As a result, officers are unable to fully utilize the facility effectively. Additionally, some of the equipment has deteriorated to the point where it poses safety risks, making it unsuitable for regular use.
These equipment issues directly affect the Wellness Center’s ability to support the physical health and fitness of our officers, which is critical to their overall well-being and performance. Physical fitness is a key part of an officer’s ability to perform their duties effectively, and the Wellness Center plays an important role in supporting that need. Without reliable, functional equipment, the center is unable to fully serve its intended purpose. The limited availability of equipment and safety concerns have already led to officer dissatisfaction and have hindered their ability to maintain a consistent fitness routine.
Replacing the outdated and broken wellness equipment with new, modern machines will address these issues and provide several important benefits. First, new equipment will meet current safety standards, ensuring that officers can use the machines without risk of injury caused by broken or outdated equipment. It will also increase the overall reliability of the Wellness Center, providing officers with consistent access to the equipment they need to stay physically fit. Moreover, upgrading to modern wellness equipment will enhance the overall user experience, helping to improve officer morale and satisfaction.
The replacement of this equipment will also have a positive impact on the overall efficiency and functionality of the Wellness Center. Modern equipment is designed to be more versatile, user-friendly, and durable, which will support a broader range of fitness needs. By upgrading the equipment, we can ensure that the center remains a valuable resource for sworn and professional staff, enabling them to meet their fitness goals and maintain optimal physical readiness.
FISCAL IMPACT
The proposed replacement of broken and outdated wellness equipment at the Police Department Wellness Center will be funded entirely through asset forfeiture funds, which are designated for law enforcement purposes. Staff recommends transferring $45,000 in asset forfeiture funding to the General Fund for the purchase of needed wellness equipment.
Asset forfeiture funds are seized by law enforcement agencies through legal processes from individuals or organizations involved in criminal activity. These funds typically come from the confiscation of assets linked to illegal activities, such as drug trafficking, money laundering, or organized crime. Under state and federal law, law enforcement agencies can use these forfeited assets for specific purposes related to enhancing public safety, such as funding equipment, training, or community programs. Using these funds for the purchase of new wellness equipment ensures that the Police Department can continue to provide a high-quality fitness facility for its officers without diverting resources from other critical public services.
The investment in upgraded wellness equipment will improve officer safety, health, and performance by providing reliable, modern, and safe equipment. This will contribute to enhanced physical readiness, better job satisfaction, and improved retention of police staff. The use of asset forfeiture funds for this purpose is a strategic investment in the department’s personnel, directly supporting their ability to serve the community while ensuring fiscal responsibility.
STRATEGIC ROADMAP
This agenda item supports the Council’s Strengthen Organizational Health Strategic Priority. Although it doesn’t directly correspond to a specific project, this item relates to and supports projects R12 Conduct a workplace safety assessment for all workplace locations and implement phased improvements, and R13 Develop the Police Department’s wellness program.
NEXT STEPS
Upon City Council approval, the above-described funds would be appropriated and transferred from the Asset Forfeiture Fund to the Hayward Police Department’s General Fund account.
Prepared by: Laura Gomez, Senior Management Analyst
Recommended by: Bryan Matthews, Chief of Police
Approved by:
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Dustin Claussen, Interim City Manager