Billings Police Department officers have operated in an undercover capacity for many years. The work entails the use of unmarked cars that are different from standard detective vehicles. Because undercover officers and their equipment are routinely exposed to the criminal element, it is necessary to rotate equipment.  The reason for frequent rotation of cars is to ensure the safety of the undercover officer and to prevent the operation from being compromised. Major car dealers in the City have been contacted for bids for these vehicles. Underriner Motors is the only dealer interested in leasing vehicles to the City for special operations purposes. Staff recommends that Council approve leasing six (6) vehicles from Underriner Motors for the City-County Special Investigations Unit (CCSIU) from July 1, 2013, to June 30, 2014, in the amount of $30,600.

Council may:

• Approve leasing undercover cars from Underriner Motors; or
• Not approve the lease. 

The cost of leasing 6 vehicles will be $30,600 ($425 per vehicle, per month) and the dollars have been budgeted in the Drug Forfeiture Fund for FY14.

Staff recommends that the Council approve leasing six (6) undercover vehicles from Underriner Motors for the City employees in the CCSIU from July 1, 2013, to June 30, 2014, in the amount of $30,600.00.