HomeMy WebLinkAbout(0022) M&C 19-0377City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor and Council Communication
DATE: 12/10/19 M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 19-0377
LOG NAME: 351RSC120
SUBJECT
Authorize Execution of an Agreement with the Internal Revenue Service (Criminal Investigations), Authorize Acceptance of Funds in an Amount Up
to $15,000.00 for the Purpose of Receiving Reimbursable Costs Incurred by the City in Providing Resources to Joint Operations/Task Force and
Adopt Appropriation Ordinance (ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS)
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Authorize the execution of an Agreement with the Internal Revenue Service (Criminal Investigations) to resume participation in the Financial
Crimes Investigative Unit, a Joint Operations/Task Force;
2. Authorize the acceptance in an amount up to $15,000.00 for the reimbursement of overtime costs for one officer assigned to the Task Force;
and,
3. Adopt the attached Appropriation Ordinance increasing estimated receipts and appropriations in the Grants Operating Other Fund by
$15,000.00 upon execution of the agreement.
DISCUSSION:
This agreement will be established pursuant to the provisions of 31 U.S.C. 9703, the Treasury Forfeiture Fund Act of 1992, which provides for the
reimbursement of certain expenses of local, county and state law enforcement agencies incurred as participants in joint operations/task forces with
a Department of the Treasury law enforcement agency. The name of this Task Force is the "Financial Crimes Investigative Unit." The Fort Worth
Police Department will assign one officer for overtime work purposes to this Joint Task Force/Operation.
The mission of the Task Force will be to develop and assist with criminal investigations of illegal activities and asset forfeitures in the North Texas
area. IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) serves the American public by investigating potential criminal violations of the Internal Revenue Code and
related financial crimes in a manner that fosters confidence in the tax system and compliance with the law. The IRS Cl is comprised of special
agents whose investigative jurisdiction includes tax, money laundering and Bank Secrecy Act laws. IRS is the only federal agency that can
investigate potential criminal violations of the Internal Revenue Code.
As financial investigators, the North Texas Asset Forfeiture Task Force will fill a unique niche in the federal law enforcement community. Today's
sophisticated schemes to defraud the government demand the analytical ability of financial investigators to wade through complex paper and
computerized financial records. Along with their financial investigative skills, the North Texas Asset Forfeiture Task Force personnel will use
specialized forensic technology to recover financial data that may have been encrypted, password protected, or hidden by other electronic means.
Additionally, the Financial Crimes Investigative Unit Task Force will investigate and assist in the prosecution of significant financial investigations
that will generate the maximum deterrent effect, enhance voluntary compliance, and promote public confidence in the tax system.
During the period of assignment to the Task Force, the City of Fort Worth will remain responsible for establishing the salaries and benefits,
including additional overtime if necessary, of the officer assigned to the Task Force.
Indirect costs are not allowable expenses under this agreement.
This Task Force serves ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS.
A Form 1295 is not required because: This contract will be with a governmental entity, state agency or public institution of higher education: Internal
Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation
FISCAL INFORMATION / CERTIFICATION:
The Director of Finance certifies that upon approval of the above recommendation and adoption of the attached appropriation ordinance, funds will
be available in the current operating budget, as appropriated, of the Grants Operating Other Fund. This is a reimbursement agreement. The Police
Department is responsible for requesting all reimbursements.
Submitted for City Manager's Office by. Jay Chapa 5804
Originating Business Unit Head: Ed Kraus 4231
Additional Information Contact: Kristina Ashton 4224