The Billings Police Department (BPD) contacted the Montana Board of Crime Control (MBCC) to request funds to purchase a trailer to be used for hostage negotiations.  BPD needs a shelter that will house their negotiators, necessary equipment and can be easily moved to an incident scene.  Often times the negotiations can go on for hours, and there is a need for protection from the elements, as well as confidentiality purposes.  The BPD has raised $2,200 to go toward the $5,400 purchase price of a trailer and has requested $3,200 from the MBCC. 

MBCC is willing to allocate $3,200 to the BPD for the purchase of the trailer by means of this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). 

The City Council may:

• Approve the MOU between the BPD and MBCC to accept the $3,200 in allotted funds or;
• Not approve the MOU in allotted funds in the amount of $3,200, thus costing the BPD the full expense of the trailer.   

There is no financial impact to the City as there is no match required for this allocation of funds. 

Staff recommends City Council approve and accept the MOU between the BPD and MBCC to accept the $3,200 in allotted funds.