CSI
Milwaukee
Police Department wants to spend $194,500
on new unit
Dec.
27 -- The Police Department wants to use $194,500
in asset forfeiture money to pay for equipment, cars,
and training for a new crime scene investigation unit,
city documents show.
"With
the advent of DNA technology, greater opportunities exist
for law enforcement agencies to solve crimes that would
otherwise remain unsolved," Police Chief Nannette
Hegerty said in a letter to the Common Council.
"Forming
a unit dedicated solely to this enhanced crime scene examination
and processing will increase felony clearances, as well
as the arrest of offenders who might otherwise continue
to commit crimes," she said.
Law
enforcement agencies share in the wealth of goods and
money seized during criminal investigations. The Police
Department is seeking authority to spend up to $1.6 million
in money received through the asset forfeiture program.
Hegerty
also is proposing to spend $15,000 on a department ethics
enforcment unit.
The
unit would "conduct random and targeted audits of
MPD members to ensure accountability and integrity within
the department," she wrote.
Besides
the CSI and integrity teams, Hegerty's proposals for spending
forgeiture funds include:
- $250,00
for computer programs
- $155,500
for mobile data computers. "The last purchase
of mobile data computers was in 2003, when 356 were
purchased," she said. "These units are constantly
in use, and at this point 25% are out of service and
can’t be repaired.
- $106,000
for maintaining the mounted patrol.
- $85,075
for computer upgrades.
- $72,685
for training.
- $58,400
for 50 tasers.
- $50,000 for investigations.
- $30,000
for handgun replacement.
- $44,000 to repair 2002 model motorcycles.
- $35,000
for cell phones.
- $16,600
for night vision rifle scopes for the tactical enforcement
unit.
- $15,950
for surveillance equipment
Printer-friendly
version
