2008/06/25 Council Agenda Packet

PROGRAM NARRATIVE t- v Introduction The City of Everett is a full-service municipal government agency which provides critical public safety and other vital services to a population of about 101,000 citizens. Under the direction of Mayor Ray Stephanson, Chief James I. Scharf commands the Everett Police Department (E.P.D.) which consists of a staff of over 197 uniformed officers and 44 civilian support personnel. Over the last several years, the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program has been a key element in assisting the E.P.D. in the acquisition and implementation of law enforcement equipment and technology to further our mission of providing the highest level of effective and efficient police services to those who reside, work, and/or choose to spend their leisure time in our City. Thus, the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program has become an important resource for providing tools and technology which are not able to receive funding support via the City's budget. Statement of Current Need City budget resources are unavailable to provide support for certain types of equipment which the department currently requires for efficient and effective operation. The Police Forensic Computer expert requires specialized technology in order to gather computer, mobile phone and other electronic file evidence. In order to efficiently and effectively conduct these investigations a Forensic Recovery of Evidence Device (FRED) system is used. Previously JAG grant funding has been requested to update this device and, at present, the FRED backup system must be replaced. The replacement of this critical backup system constitutes one component of the current equipment project request. Additional project components include, purchase and acquisition of an all-in-one color copier/scanner/printer for evidence preparation within the Financial Crimes Unit, a durable high-speed, high-use copier for use in the Police Records Public Disclosure Unit and eighteen (18) digital cameras, plus accessories, for distribution to patrol officers. 20