Action 8.
Regular Board of Supervisors Meeting
County Sheriff
- Meeting Date:
- 12/13/2022
- Title:
- AZDEMA Prosecution and Imprisonment for Border Related Crimes Agreement
- Submitted By:
- Sean Gijanto, County Sheriff
- Department:
- County Sheriff
Presentation:
No A/V Presentation
Recommendation:
Approve
Document Signatures:
BOS Signature Required
# of ORIGINALS
Submitted for Signature:
Submitted for Signature:
2
NAME
of PRESENTER:
of PRESENTER:
Robert Watkins
TITLE
of PRESENTER:
of PRESENTER:
Commander
Mandated Function?:
Not Mandated
Source of Mandate
or Basis for Support?:
or Basis for Support?:
You will use this Agenda Item template if your item involves a Grant (whether a new or renewal grant). You also must attach the Grant Approval Form to the item before Finance will approve it. Select the SPECIAL LINKS on your left-hand menu and Click on "Grant Approval Form". Then complete the form, save it and attach it to your item (on the Attachments tab).
Information
Agenda Item Text:
Approve Grant Agreement M22-0051 between the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA), Cochise County, and the Cochise County Sheriff's Office (CCSO), in the amount of $1,947,500, effective October 1, 2022 through December 31, 2024, for equipment and/or activities associated with the prosecution and imprisonment of individuals charged with drug trafficking, human smuggling, illegal immigration, and other border-related crimes.
Background:
Cochise County experiences an estimated entry of 1500 smugglers per month from the US-Mexico border to smuggle human beings from the border to the Phoenix area. Cochise County Law Enforcement engages in an estimated two (2) to ten (10) high speed pursuits every day. Since October 30, 2021, seven (7) people have died from pursuits originating in Cochise County. Between March 1, 2022, and as October 10, 2022, 408 people have been feloniously victimized during smuggling related events.
Cochise County has explored the purchase of specialized bumpers (Grappler) to help bring the pursuits to a conclusion but have learned the only company to make a reliable product has a waitlist of more than 12 months. Additionally, Law Enforcement frequently encounter large sport utility vehicles or large pick-up trucks which would defeat the grappler bumpers. CCSO’s only option is to deploy tire deflation devices in front of the vehicle, but nearly every day, vehicles swerve around the tire deflation devices and flee through Cochise County communities at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour.
Cochise County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) is requesting reimbursement to purchase large, heavy-duty pick-up trucks and immediately outfit them with Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) training-style push bumpers which will provide CCSO with the opportunity to immobilize these vehicles and bring these deadly pursuits to a conclusion.
Due to supply chain issues, the purchase of large trucks cannot be done through CCSO’s normal vendors as an 18-month delay exists in the delivery of commercial fleet vehicles. CCSO requests the ability to purchase any four door, ¾ ton or larger trucks that are currently available. The trucks will be outfitted for this purpose and training will be provided and expensed through this agreement.
Cochise County has explored the purchase of specialized bumpers (Grappler) to help bring the pursuits to a conclusion but have learned the only company to make a reliable product has a waitlist of more than 12 months. Additionally, Law Enforcement frequently encounter large sport utility vehicles or large pick-up trucks which would defeat the grappler bumpers. CCSO’s only option is to deploy tire deflation devices in front of the vehicle, but nearly every day, vehicles swerve around the tire deflation devices and flee through Cochise County communities at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour.
Cochise County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) is requesting reimbursement to purchase large, heavy-duty pick-up trucks and immediately outfit them with Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) training-style push bumpers which will provide CCSO with the opportunity to immobilize these vehicles and bring these deadly pursuits to a conclusion.
Due to supply chain issues, the purchase of large trucks cannot be done through CCSO’s normal vendors as an 18-month delay exists in the delivery of commercial fleet vehicles. CCSO requests the ability to purchase any four door, ¾ ton or larger trucks that are currently available. The trucks will be outfitted for this purpose and training will be provided and expensed through this agreement.
Department's Next Steps (if approved):
If approved, the Sheriff's Office, working in conjunction with Fleet services, will immediately begin sourcing trucks, equipment and training to bring this capability on-line as soon as possible
Impact of NOT Approving/Alternatives:
If not approved the Sheriff's Office will miss an opportunity to acquire better equipment and training which will give us another tool to safely end vehicle pursuits.
To BOS Staff: Document Disposition/Follow-Up:
Sign 2 original copies of the agreement and return them to Cdr. Watkins or other Sheriff's Office command staff.
Fiscal Impact
- Fiscal Year:
- 2022/2023
- County Match Required? ($$$):
- 0
- Source of Funding?:
- AZDEMA
Fiscal Impact & Funding Sources (if known):
AZDEMA is providing $1,947,500.00 for this project. To expedite the process the County may need to provide initial funding to be reimbursed by AZDEMA.