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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Commander Jack Fichtel and Lt. Steve Stemmet
DATE: April 20, 2021
SUBJECT:
Resolution authorizing the Chief of Police to sign an updated Memorandum of Understanding between the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Aurora Police Department (APD) for a task force officers.
PURPOSE:
An updated Memorandum of Understanding between the Homeland Security Investigations the and APD will allow for a continuing partnership in the investigations of crimes that involve narcotic related offenses through a cooperative task force.
BACKGROUND:
The Aurora Police Department has had a long-standing cooperative relationship with the Homeland Security Investigations (since approximately 2007) in which Aurora Police Officers have been assigned to the task force to investigate and take enforcement action on narcotic related offenses.
The HSI task force has been highly successful with investigations in Aurora, and within the region. They are specifically tasked with disrupting and dismantling large scale drug trafficking and money laundering organizations operating in our area of responsibility. Being with a federal partner, they are able to utilize multiple resources that are not available to local law enforcement in the apprehension of targets of investigation that bring large amounts of narcotics into our city and the smuggling of drug proceeds out.
This agreement has been updated by the newly appointed Chicago Special Agent in Charge at the Homeland Security Investigations.
DISCUSSION:
A new Memorandum of Understanding with the Homeland Security Investigations will allow Aurora Police Officers to work with other law enforcement officials to conduct investigations in large scale narcotic investigation in the area. This is an area of law enforcement where a task force philosophy is critical, as these cases often cross jurisdictional boundaries where it would be difficult for a local agency to investigate the offense thoroughly. This task force operates with a team mentality with a focus on the seizure of dangerous drugs, and the identification and prosecution of offenders
IMPACT STATEMENT:
If this project is approved, it will allow for the continued investigation and enforcement of large-scale drug operation, along with the arrest and prosecution of offenders in the Aurora area.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Allow the Chief of Police to sign the updated Memorandum of Understanding between the Homeland Security Investigations and the Aurora Police Department.
cc: cc:Alderman Hart-Burns
Alderman Smith
Alderman Lofchie
Alderman Mesiacos
Alderman Saville
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution authorizing the Chief of Police to sign an updated Memorandum of Understanding between the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Aurora Police Department (APD) for a task force officers.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the Aurora Police Department has had a long-standing cooperative relationship with the Homeland Security Investigations (since approximately 2007) in which Aurora Police Officers have been assigned to the task force to investigate and take enforcement action on narcotic related offenses; and
WHEREAS, the HSI task force has been highly successful with investigations in Aurora, and within the region. They are specifically tasked with disrupting and dismantling large scale drug trafficking and money laundering organizations operating in our area of responsibility. Being with a federal partner, they are able to utilize multiple resources that are not available to local law enforcement in the apprehension of targets of investigation that bring large amounts of narcotics into our city and the smuggling of drug proceeds out; and
WHEREAS, a new Memorandum of Understanding with the Homeland Security Investigations will allow Aurora Police Officers to continue to work with other law enforcement officials to conduct investigations in large scale narcotic investigation in the area. This is an area of law enforcement where a task force philosophy is critical, as these cases often cross jurisdictional boundaries where it would be difficult for a local agency to investigate the offense thoroughly. This task force operates with a team mentality with a focus on the seizure of dangerous drugs, and the identification and prosecution of offenders. This agreement has been updated by the newly appointed Chicago Special Agent in Charge at the Homeland Security Investigations.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: authorizing the Chief of Police to sign an updated Memorandum of Understanding between the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Aurora Police Department (APD) for a task force officers.