| AGENDA ITEM #: 10. DATE: 04/12/2021 |
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CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
| SUBJECT: | APPROVAL OF THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE WEST VALLEY INVESTIGATIVE RESPONSE TEAM |
| STAFF PRESENTER(S): | Santiago Rodriguez, Chief of Police |
SUMMARY:
The City of Goodyear's Police Department is requesting approval of the Intergovernmental agreement to participate in the West Valley Investigative Response Team. By participating in the West Valley Investigative Response Team (WVIRT), the Goodyear Police Department will have access to resources to investigate critical incidents that occur within the department. This team will consist of a pool of specialized officers who are available to assist in the investigation, documentation, evidence gathering, and other related functions of a critical incident, including officer involved shootings, officer injuries, or other critical or complex investigations. The City of Goodyear Police Department's participation in the WVIRT will require members to participate in WVIRT activations, meetings, trainings, etc.
Any Party may request assistance from the WVIRT and a Team Leader will be assigned to serve as the "Lead Investigator" for the "Critical Incident Investigation". The Lead Investigator shall be employed by the "Lead Agency" during the duration of the Critical Incident Investigation. Each Party, if resources are available, shall make at least one sworn law enforcement officer available, in addition to a WVIRT Member, and any equipment in support of any WVIRT Activation.
Any Party may request assistance from the WVIRT and a Team Leader will be assigned to serve as the "Lead Investigator" for the "Critical Incident Investigation". The Lead Investigator shall be employed by the "Lead Agency" during the duration of the Critical Incident Investigation. Each Party, if resources are available, shall make at least one sworn law enforcement officer available, in addition to a WVIRT Member, and any equipment in support of any WVIRT Activation.
Recommendation:
Approve the Intergovernmental Agreement for the Police Department to participate in the West Valley Incident Response Team. (Santiago Rodriguez, Chief of Police)
FISCAL IMPACT:
Each Party will be responsible for any and all associated costs accrued in implementing the Agreement that are incurred by their own agencies, such as employee salary, shift differential pay, overtime compensation, benefits, vehicles, equipment, etc. Participation in the West Valley Investigative Response Team is funded in the Police Department General Fund base budget.
BACKGROUND AND PREVIOUS ACTIONS:
During calendar year 2020, throughout the country, several police actions resulted in high profile investigation. The West Valley Chief's are taking proactive measures to ensure that investigations of critical incidents are performed without the perception of bias or favoritism. The West Valley Chief's worked together to form the West Valley Investigation Response Team (WVIRT). Participation in the team will ensure that all critical incidents that occur within the City of Goodyear will result in examination by the WVIRT.
STAFF ANALYSIS
Currently, if a critical incident (i.e. officer involved shooting, officer injuries, etc.) were to occur in the City of Goodyear, the Goodyear Police Department would evaluate if the investigation can be completed by the department or if another agency needed to take the lead. If another agency is needed, the Chief of Police would contact another Department's Chief and request assistance.