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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007 03 12 Consent 201 Stop Sticks COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM 201 CONSENT March 12,2007 Meeting MGR DEPT Authorization REQUEST: Police Department requests the Commission to give approval for the purchase of (32) pursuit immobilization devices, commonly referred to as "Stop Sticks" from the Special Law Enforcement Fund (Federal Asset Forfeitures). PURPOSE: To seek the consent of the Commission to approve the purchase of these items to assist the Police Department in stopping or slowing down the increasing number of vehicles that are fleeing from police at high speeds. These vehicles travel into and out of jurisdictions and continue to drive with total and wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property, even after police have ceased their attempts to stop them. The cost to equip every road patrol vehicle is $11,994.12. CONSIDERATIONS: The Winter Springs Police Department's motor vehicle pursuit policy considers two societal values which sometimes conflict: (1) that of law enforcement's primary responsibility to protect life and property, and (2) that of law enforcement's duty to apprehend those persons who break the law. Since motor vehicle pursuits of fleeing suspects present a danger to the public and to the officers involved, it is the policy of the Winter Springs Police Department not to engage in a vehicle pursuit for traffic infractions, misdemeanors, and minor felonies. In response to this ever present problem, the police department needs to equip more of its fleet with Stop Sticks. The police department currently has (8) sets of Stop Sticks that are assigned to (4) shifts in road patrol. Many times, where other jurisdictions have pursued fleeing felons into our city, we were not able to safely position a Stop Stick equipped vehicle in front of the fleeing vehicle. Equipping our patrol fleet with the additional Stop Sticks would enhance our ability to end pursuits safely. Listed below is a list of the equipment and the associated prices. . (31) 9' Stop Stick Rack Kit, Black @ $369.00 ea $11,439.00 . (01) 9' Stop Stick Rack Suv Kit, Black @ $389.00 ea $389.00 . (02) Aluminum Mounting Trays for Stop Sticks @ 21.00 ea $42.00 . (01) Shipping & Handling @ $124.00 Total $11,994.20 FUNDING: All funding will come from the existing Federal Special Law Enforcement Fund of approximately $49,452.00 there will be no impact to the current fiscal budget. RECOMMENDATION: Approve the expenditure of$11,994.20 from the Special Law Enforcement Fund. IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE: Immediately upon approval by Commission. ATTACHMENTS: None COMMISSION ACTION: