City Council Memorandum
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: SEPTEMBER 5, 2023 FROM: POLICE DEPARTMENT WARDS: ALL SUBJECT: MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH UNITED STATES POSTAL INSPECTION SERVICES CONTRABAND INTERDICTION AND INVESTIGATIONS TASK FORCE UNTIL TERMINATED FOR AN ANNUAL REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT ESTABLISHED BY THE UNITED STATES POSTAL INSPECTION SERVICES; REIMBURSEMENT FOR FEDERAL FISCAL YEAR 2023/24 IS UP TO $30,907 - SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION ISSUES:
Approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Riverside, on behalf of the Police Department, and the United States Postal Inspection Services – Contraband Interdiction and Investigations (C12) South Task Force until terminated for Federal Fiscal Year (October 1 through September 30) in an amount up to $30,907; and authorize a supplemental appropriation in the same amount.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the City Council:
Approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Riverside, on behalf of the Police Department, and the United States Postal Inspection Services – Contraband Interdiction and Investigations (C12) Task Force until terminated; With at least five affirmative votes, authorize the Chief Financial Officer, or designee, to record an increase in revenue and authorize supplemental appropriation in the amount of $30,907, or in the amount of the grant award, in the Grants & Restricted Programs Fund, USPS Inspection Contraband Program; and Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents necessary to receive reimbursement of funds for services performed in cooperation with the task forces listed, herein.
BACKGROUND:
The Riverside Police Department (RPD) participates in several regional task forces that receive various local, state, and federal funding reimbursements to help offset costs. RPD’s participation in joint operations, such as the regional task force ensures a well-coordinated law enforcement effort and increases the flow of intelligence information among the various law enforcement agencies in the region.
The Contraband Interdiction and Investigations (C12) South Task Force focuses on the investigation and prosecution of criminal offenses involving the trafficking of controlled substances and money laundering violations, as well as establishing the terms and conditions under which Riverside may coordinate investigative efforts with and/or provide assistance to the USPIS in the development of investigations and cases for criminal prosecution.
DISCUSSION:
The proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Riverside, on behalf of the Riverside Police Department, and the United States Postal Inspection Services – Contraband Interdiction and Investigations (C12) Task Force establishes the procedures and responsibilities of both the City and the United States Postal Inspection Services C12 Task Force for the reimbursement of certain overtime costs as it relates to task force-related activities.
Participation on the CI2 South Task Force will protect the public by investigating and prosecuting criminal offenses related to the trafficking of controlled substances/other dangerous drugs and violations of money laundering statutes.
The MOU is effective on the date it is signed by both parties and terminates when explicitly terminated by either the United States Postal Inspection Services C12 Task Force or the City of Riverside. RPD will be reimbursed for an annual amount established by the United States Postal Inspection Services. The amount established for Federal Fiscal Year 2023-2024 (October 1 through September 30) is a total amount up to $30,907 per assigned Officer. One RPD Officer will be assigned to this task force. The established amount includes $10,200 for vehicle maintenance which will be received in the form of a monthly stipend and overtime reimbursement in an amount up to $20,707 for actual overtime worked.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This item contributes to Strategic Priority No. 2 Community Well-Being and Goal number No. 2.4 – Support programs and innovations that enhance community safety, encourage neighborhood engagement, and build public trust.
This item aligns with EACH of the five Cross-Cutting Threads as follows:
Community Trust – The Riverside Police Department is dedicated to improving quality of life by creating a safe environment in partnership with the people it serves. RPD’s ability to partner with Federal, county and local agencies serves to benefit the public safety of the City’s diverse populations, and results in the greater public good.
Equity – RPD provides public safety services to all residents in the City of Riverside. The partnership between RPD and other law enforcement agencies help provide equitable distribution of public safety services.
Fiscal Responsibility – RPD’s participation in the previously mentioned task force provide reimbursement for partnership opportunity and reduces the burden on the General Fund.
Innovation – RPD must constantly change and adapt to meet the community’s changing needs and prepare for the future. These partnerships provide the Department with additional resources and funding to achieve this goal.
Sustainability & Resiliency – The reimbursement from these programs allows RPD to meet the needs of the present without compromising the needs of the future and ensures the City’s capacity to preserve, adapt and grow.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total fiscal impact of this action is $30,907. Upon Council approval, an increase in revenue in the amount of $30,907 will be recorded, and an equal amount of expenditures appropriated in the Grants and Restricted Programs Fund as listed in the table below:
Fund
Program
Account
Amount
Grants & Restricted Programs
Revenue
USPS Inspection Contraband Program
9178700-331100
$30,907
Expenditures
USPS Inspection Contraband Program
9178700-411501
$20,707
9178700-462100
$10,200
Total Expenditures
$30,907
The timing and amount of the reimbursements may vary and are dependent upon overtime worked by the assigned officer. The RPD will receive a monthly reimbursement for vehicle maintenance in a total amount of $10,200. Overtime will be reimbursed monthly for actual hours worked in an amount up to $20,707. Once the maximum reimbursement is reached, there will be no further reimbursements.
Prepared by: Larry V. Gonzalez, Chief of Police
Certified as to
availability of funds: Kristie Thomas, Financial Director/Assistant Chief Financial Officer Approved by: Mike Futrell, City Manager
Approved as to form: Phaedra A. Norton, City Attorney
United States Postal Inspection Services MOUhPage 5