Title
Adopt a Resolution to Authorize Appropriation of $50,000 from the Asset Seizure (Federal) Fund for an Operational Audit of the San Leandro Police Department's Property and Evidence Room and the Secure Destruction and Disposal of Narcotics
Staffreport
COUNCIL PRIORITY
Public Safety
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommend that the City Council adopt a Resolution to authorize appropriation of Federal Asset Seizure funds from the respective fund balances to fund projects in FY 2027.
BACKGROUND
The Police Department’s Property and Evidence Room is responsible for the secure receipt, storage, safeguarding, retrieval, release, and lawful disposition of property and evidence. Proper administration of this function is essential to maintaining the integrity of criminal investigations and prosecutions, complying with legal requirements and professional standards, protecting sensitive and high-liability items, and preserving public confidence.
The Police Department determined that an independent audit would provide an objective assessment of current practices and identify opportunities to strengthen compliance, security, safety, efficiency, staffing, and training.
The Property and Evidence Room also contains a substantial quantity of narcotics that are no longer required to be retained as evidence and have been authorized for destruction. Removing these items through a secure and documented destruction process will free limited storage capacity and support the Department's continuing management of property and evidence.
Analysis
The appropriation will fund an audit consisting of a review of records and policies, interviews with Department personnel, testing of existing systems, and a physical inspection of the Property and Evidence Room that will provide an independent assessment and actionable recommendations for a critical Police Department function.
Additionally, the funds will allow for the destruction and disposal of narcotics that are no longer ...
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