Agenda - View Meetings (All)

7.25.

Regular City Council Meeting

Meeting Date:

09/28/2021

Information

Agenda Item

Resolution - Police: Consider a resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement by and between the City of Lubbock, the United States Department of Justice, and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, for participation in the FY 2022-High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force Agreement and any associated documents, including an Asset Sharing Agreement, to disrupt illicit drug traffic in the Lubbock area.

Item Summary

Trafficking in narcotics and dangerous drugs in the Lubbock area has a substantial and detrimental effect on the health and general welfare of Lubbock Citizens. Participation with the Lubbock High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, under the purview of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), is effective in combating the problem.

The Lubbock Police Department (LPD) participation in the Lubbock HIDTA will include the following activities and duties:

a. Disrupt the illicit drug traffic in the Lubbock area by immobilizing targeted violators and trafficking organizations;
b. Gather and report intelligence data relating to trafficking in narcotics and dangerous drugs; and
c. Conduct undercover operations where appropriate and engage in other traditional methods of investigation in order that the Task Force’s activities will result in effective prosecution before the courts of the United States and the State of Texas.

The LPD will detail three (3) experienced officers to the Task Force for not less than two (2) years. These officers will be under direct supervision and control of DEA supervisory personnel assigned to the Task Force. The Lubbock Sheriff’s Office and Texas Department of Public Safety will also supply personnel to the HIDTA. DEA will assign four (4) Special Agents to the Task Force. DEA will provide necessary funds and equipment to support the activities of the DEA Special Agents and officers assigned to the Task Force. This support will include office space, office supplies, travel funds, funds for the purchase of evidence and information, investigative equipment, training, and other support items.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) will receive a minimum of 20 percent of awarded assets as result of Task Force investigations. Up to 80 percent of the remainder is subject to equitable sharing among the participating agencies, based on the number of officers assigned to the Lubbock HIDTA at the time of the seizure.

Upon approval, the term of the agreement will be in effect until September 30, 2022.

Fiscal Impact

LPD will remain responsible for the salary and benefits including overtime of the officers assigned to the Task Force. The Lubbock HIDTA will, subject to availability of funds, reimburse the LPD for overtime payments made to its officers assigned to the Task Force, capped at the equivalent of 25% of a GS-12, Step 1, of the general pay scale for the rest of the United States, per officer.

Staff/Board Recommending

Floyd Mitchell, Chief of Police

Attachments

Resolution

Agreement