As part of the Police Department's ongoing endeavors to best serve the residents of the City of Riviera Beach, the Police Chief seeks the City Council's approval to use Law Enforcement Trust Funds in the amount of $3,600.00 to implement and support the Police Athletic League (PAL) Chess Program.

Learning to play Chess provides educational and social benefits far beyond playing a fun interactive game.  It teaches concentration, focus, thoroughness, problem solving, planning, creativity, multi-tasking, courtesy, respect, patience, logical analysis, and responsibility for ones actions.  Studies have shown that young people who have learned to play Chess have improved learning capacity, improved thinking ability, higher grades, and improved behavior.

The PAL Chess Program will also cultivate positive relationships between Law Enforcement and Local Community Leaders, which will improve perceptions of Law Enforcement Officers.

The funding will be used to cover the cost of instruction/registration fees, chess boards, Chess Program t-shirts, awards, and refreshments.

The expenditure of Law Enforcement Trust Fund dollars is permissible for this effort and consistent with State and Federal Laws.  This program can be funded using Law Enforcement Trust Fund dollars.  These funds may be expended upon the request by 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.