storyhill.net, Dec. 27, 2006

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.