HomeMy WebLinkAboutV(C) Approval and Authorization to Execute the West Orange Narcotics Task Force Agreement Agenda 12-16-2003
Item V C
MayorSbe Center of Good Ling Commissioners
S. Scott Vandergrift Danny Howell, District 1
OR,{� Scott Anderson, District 2
Rusty Johnson, District 3
City Manager . �.,
Jim Gleason ?--40/Ludo. '.� Nancy J. Parker, District 4
STAFF REPORT
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Commissioners
FROM: Steven J. Goclon, Chief of Police
DATE: December 9, 2003
RE: WEST ORANGE NARCOTICS TASK FORCE AGREEMENT UPDATE
ISSUE
Should the Honorable Mayor and Board of City Commissioners approve the updated West
Orange Narcotics Task Force agreement.
I
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
In May 2003, the Honorable Mayor and Board of City Commissioners authorized the Ocoee
Police Department to enter into an agreement with the Orange County Sheriff's Office and the
Winter Garden Police Department, formalizing the West Orange Narcotics Task Force. The
initial agreement specified a staffing allocation of two Orange County agents (for a 40% share of
seized assets), two Ocoee agents (for a 40% share of the seized assets), and one Winter Garden
agent(for a 20% share of the seized assets).
The Winter Garden Police Department recently provided an additional agent to the task force.
This will increase Winter Garden's share of the seized assets and reduce Ocoee and Orange
County's share of the assets, but assets will still be split proportionately with regards to the
number of fulltime agents each agency assigns to the task force (33% based on all three
participating agencies providing two agents each). All parties believe this to be fair and
equitable. An attorney with Foley and Lardner has reviewed and approved the updated
agreement.
Since its inception,the task force has been able to investigate many of the drug complaints
received from citizens and intelligence sources, allowing enforcement in an area almost
previously untouched. It has conducted numerous search warrants, made arrests of violent drug
dealers, and made seizures of illegal drugs and drug dealer assets, including money, firearms and
vehicles. It is making a difference in the West Orange community.
RECOMMENDATION
It is respectfully recommended that the Honorable Mayor and Board of City Commissioners
approve the updated West Orange Narcotics Task Force agreement.