As part of the Police Department's ongoing endeavors to best serve the residents of the City of Riviera Beach, the Police Chief seeks funding to implement and support various crime prevention efforts with an appropriation in the amount of $25,000 from the Law Enforcement Trust Fund.

More specifically, funds will be expended to facilitate the involvement of the Police Department in community events throughout the City and allows residents an opportunity to interact with Police Officers and voice their community concerns.

Some of the events and activities include National Night Out Against Crime, Summer Youth Programs, Gang Resistance Training, etc.  National Night Out is an opportunity to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, Police-Community partnerships, neighborhood camaraderie, and sends a message to criminals making them aware that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

The funds will allow the Police Department to partner with groups and organizations to add Crime Prevention, Drug Prevention and/or Safe Neighborhood components to community events.  In order to organize and plan successful Crime Prevention events and activities, funds will be used for promotional items and other items needed for events, to include but not be limited to, tents, bounce houses, face painting, food vendors, etc.

The expenditure of Law Enforcement Trust Fund dollars is permissible for this effort and consistent with State and Federal Laws.  This project can be funded using Law Enforcement Trust Fund dollars.  These funds may be expended upon request from the Chief of Police to the governing body of the municipality, accompanied by a written certification that the request complies with the provisions of Florida State Statute §932.7055.

The Florida State Statute provides that Law Enforcement Trust Funds shall be used for ... "crime prevention, safe neighborhoods... prevention programs or for Law Enforcement purposes, which include defraying the cost of protracted or complex investigations, (and) providing additional equipment.  The proceeds and interest may not be used to meet normal operating expenses of the Law Enforcement Agency."

This item serves as written certification that this request complies with Florida State Statute §932.7055,