Action 6.
Regular Board of Supervisors Meeting
County Sheriff
- Meeting Date:
- 02/07/2023
- Title:
- DEMA SABRE
- Submitted By:
- Robert Watkins, 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:
Operations Commander
Mandated Function?:
Not Mandated
Source of Mandate
or Basis for Support?:
or Basis for Support?:
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Information
Agenda Item Text:
Approve Agreement M22-0056 between the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA), Cochise County, and the Cochise County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) in the amount of $18,029,131, effective October 1, 2022 through December 31, 2027, to fully fund the Southeastern Arizona Border Region Enforcement Team (SABRE) program for a period of five years.
Background:
Since 2017, the Cochise County Sheriff's Office has operated the Southern Arizona Border Regional Enforcement Team (SABRE). Currently, five (5) sworn CCSO personnel are assigned to the team which work with members of the Arizona National Guard to provide border security for the citizens of Cochise County. SABRE places Buckeye Camera systems on known drug and human smuggling corridors to monitor criminal activity. When a criminal event occurs, the camera captures the information, sends the data to a national guard soldier assigned to work for SABRE, who then dispatches CCSO or Border Patrol personnel to intercept the smugglers. The program has proven to be a highly effective, nationally recognized program, providing amazing results. Since its's inception, SABRE has detected 116,700 undocumented aliens, apprehended 37,423 undocumented aliens, arrested 437 drug smugglers, and seized hundreds of pounds of illegal drugs including deadly methamphetamine. In it's current structure, SABRE is not self-sustained and is dependent upon national guard support.
By approving this agreement, SABRE can become 100% self-sustained, with zero fiscal impact to the citizens of Cochise County. This agreement fully funds (salaries and all associated EREs) six (6) sworn peace officer positions and twenty-eight (28) civilian positions for a period of five (5) years. Additionally, the economic impact of the annual salaries totaling an estimated 1.89 million dollars, into our communities will contribute to the economic growth of Cochise County.
By approving this agreement, SABRE can become 100% self-sustained, with zero fiscal impact to the citizens of Cochise County. This agreement fully funds (salaries and all associated EREs) six (6) sworn peace officer positions and twenty-eight (28) civilian positions for a period of five (5) years. Additionally, the economic impact of the annual salaries totaling an estimated 1.89 million dollars, into our communities will contribute to the economic growth of Cochise County.
Department's Next Steps (if approved):
SABRE will begin purchasing the equipment (to include 6 vehicles), recruiting, hiring, and training the associated 34 employees.
Impact of NOT Approving/Alternatives:
The impact of not approving this agreement will be catastrophic for the citizens of Cochsie County, Citizens of Arizona, and the entire United States. The Tucson sector of the United States Border Patrol has altered operational practices to rely upon services provided by the SABRE team. The United States Border Patrol is critically understaffed and SABRE is vital to the success of their continued operations. Cochise County (in addition to the rest of the Southern Border) is currently experiencing an epidemic of smuggling events and corresponding high-speed pursuits through our communities. SABRE serves on forefront of combating this crisis. The Arizona National Guard is a temporary solution to SABRE staffing needs and this agreement is meant to create a sustainable staffing solution for the SABRE program. AZ DEMA plans on removing National Guard support in 2023, which will leave SABRE unable provide any semblance of similar services to our law enforcement partners or our communities.
To BOS Staff: Document Disposition/Follow-Up:
Sign 2 copies of the original agreement and return to Commander Robert Watkins or Cochise County Command Staff. Once finalized agreement is received, the document will be uploaded