Submitted By: Michael Balken
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Presentation By: Michael Balken
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Department: Police
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Adopt Budget Resolution 2024-147 to accept reimbursement funds from the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force through a memorandum of understanding agreement with the City of Gainesville to foster cooperation in combating internet crimes against children in an approximate amount of $10,000
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OCALA'S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
The purpose of this memorandum of understanding (MOU) is to formalize working relationships between agencies in a combined law enforcement effort aimed at combating internet and technology facilitated crimes against children. By signing this MOU, participants are agreeing to join the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (hereinafter ICAC) to investigate, prosecute, and deter the possession, production, and distribution of child pornography and the utilization of the Internet to seek and sexually exploit children. ICAC provides an infrastructure of technical assistance, equipment, training, and other funding opportunities to meet these goals.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
Participation in ICAC provides training opportunities for Ocala Police Department (OPD) detectives, including two conferences a year and various other training opportunities. While OPD initially funds the training, ICAC reimburses OPD for the entire cost of all training which amounts to approximately $10,000 per year.
In addition, ICAC has purchased two laptop computers for OPD that are used specifically for ICAC operations and investigations. The approximate cost for these two computers is $6,000. More equipment will likely be received from ICAC after July 1, 2024.
Without the support and participation in ICAC, OPD detectives would not be able to attend the training opportunities or be invited to the chat operations as they a...
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