Agenda Item # 6
Columbus Consolidated Government
Council Meeting
September 27 2011
Agenda Report # 698
TO: Mayor and Councilors
SUBJECT: Special Reaction Team Services Agreement with Fort Benning
INITIATED BY: Police Department
Recommendation: Approval is requested to execute an agreement with Fort Benning
to provide Special Reaction Team Services by the Columbus Consolidated
Government Police Department SWAT Team for $35,000 annually.
Background: Fort Benning is required by Army regulations to maintain a Special
Reaction Team. Due to the following reasons it is advantageous to Fort Benning
to contract with the City of Columbus for support of their SWAT Team: (1) A
constant turnover of military police soldiers; (2) Loss of the 988th MP Company
that has been re-stationed to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri; (3) Reduction in
manpower of the 209th Law and Order Detachment; (4) Recurring training costs
and the infrequent number of actual crisis events requiring a SWAT Team type
response.
Analysis: Fort Benning has asked for the support from the Columbus Police
Department SWAT Team through a contract between Fort Benning and the City of
Columbus. The Columbus Police Department SWAT Team is trained and equipped to
perform the task of a Special Response Team required by Army Regulations. Army
Regulations authorizes the use of local law enforcement authorities in
accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and Status of Force agreements.
The required tasks can include the serving of high-risk arrest warrants,
performing hostage rescue, engaging heavily armed criminals, barricaded
suspects and dignitary protection.
Financial Considerations: Fort Benning will provide funding in the amount of
$35,000 annually for these services.
Projected Annual Fiscal Impact Statement: No additional expense will be
incurred to provide these services.
Legal Considerations: Council approval required to execute agreement.
Recommendations/Actions: Approve a resolution authorizing execution of an
agreement with Fort Benning to provide Special Reaction Team Services by the
Columbus Consolidated Government Police Department.
A RESOLUTION
No. _____
WHEREAS, Fort Benning desires to lease Special Reaction Team Services from the
Columbus Consolidated Government Police Department; and,
WHEREAS, Fort Benning also has agreed to assist Columbus in securing
specialized equipment that will benefit both Columbus and Fort Benning; and,
WHEREAS, the Columbus Consolidated Government Police Department has an active
tactical unit available to provide these services; and,
WHEREAS, the provision of such services is in the public interest and will
strengthen public safety services in the Columbus community.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES:
That the Mayor, City Manager, City Attorney, and Finance Director are hereby
authorized to execute appropriate agreements and documents with Fort Benning
for the provision and lease of special tactical services and receipt by
Columbus of specialized equipment when available.
Introduced at a regular meeting of the Council of Columbus,
Georgia, held on the 27th day of September, 2011, and adopted at said meeting
by the affirmative vote of ______ members of said council.
Councilor Allen voting ____________.
Councilor Baker voting ____________.
Councilor Barnes voting ____________.
Councilor Davis voting ____________.
Councilor Henderson voting ____________.
Councilor Huff voting ____________.
Councilor McDaniel voting ____________.
Councilor Thomas voting ____________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting ____________.
Councilor Woodson voting ____________.
____________________________________ ______________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor
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