Guest View- John Musolf: "Unnecessary Purchases"

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[This question and answer is from Oro Valley Police Chief Sharp's "Know Your Police Budget"]

Q. What are Anti-Racketeering funds and how does the Police Department use them?
A. Federal Guidelines and Arizona Revised Statutes strictly regulate the use of Anti-Racketeering funds (also known as seizure funds). Seizure funds are often utilized to fund departmental necessities that are not funded through the approved Town Budget. Examples of approved expenditures are inclusive, but not limited to:
• Member training/travel
• Investigative support
• Equipment purchase/maintenance
• Community oriented policing programs
• Gang and drug education and awareness for the community

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Remember! “Seizure funds are often utilized to fund departmental necessities that are not funded through the approved Town Budget”.

You decide which are necessities!

1. Equipment Purchases: Ice Maker 1 for $5,334 and Ice Maker 2 for $4,955

• Obviously the acquisition of two ice makers is crucial to the public safety of Oro Valley citizens and day to day policing activities!

2. Uniform Purchases: Lycra shorts ($1500) and Polo T-shirts ($2000), Cycle wear ($1500) and Jackets ($600)

• The OVPD has a bicycle unit that must be outfitted in the latest “fashion” like Lycra shorts. The cycle wear and jackets could be for the bicycle unit or the motorcycle unit.

3. Miscellaneous: Bar Stools, Party Carousel, Festival Tents, Fry’s food, Petty Cash Vouchers

• The bar stools are “standard” in policing activities?

One other small note! Seizure funds can be used with the approval of the Pima County Attorney’s Office. Recently, there was a change in the law that says the Use of Seizure Funds may have to be paid back if the case concerning the Seized Funds is dismissed. This might take months or years.

John Musolf
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