DEPARTMENT: Sheriff
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
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Authorization To Execute Joint Powers Agreement With Minnesota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize execution of a joint powers agreement (JPA) with the State of Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Internet Crimes Against Children (MICAC) Task Force.
SUMMARY
The State of Minnesota, Department of Public Safety, with funding through the federal government, established the MICAC Task Force. The purpose of this task force is to investigate internet-based crimes against children, specifically child pornography, criminal exploitation of children, and related offenses that are committed and/or facilitated by or through the use of computers. The reason for entering into this agreement is to allow the Sheriff’s Office to access the training opportunities and obtain additional technical equipment for investigating these crimes. The MICAC asks in return that Dakota County provide investigative resources on any of those types of crimes occurring in Dakota County. Currently, the MICAC provides financial and technical assistance to over 125 agencies across the State of Minnesota, including Dakota County. The agreement provides for the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office to receive computer equipment, specialized training, and payment of overtime.
Presently, the Electronic Crimes Task Force assists local agencies with investigations relating to Internet crimes against children. Specifically, their responsibilities include the evaluation of computer hard drives, cell phones, and other electronic devices as it relates to the possession, distribution, and manufacture of child pornography and soliciting of children online. These are the same services that will be provided to MICAC under the proposed agreement, and staff does not anticipate an increase in the responsibilities of the Electronic Crimes Task Force.
Since 2019, we have received approximately $3,475 for equipment. The joint powers agreement also gives access to valuable free training. There have been no reimbursements of overtime needed for assisting MICAC on cases to date, however, the agreement continues to allow for that contingency.
The Dakota County Sheriff’s Office has been part of this task force since 2011. The current agreement by Resolution No. 19-471 (April 9, 2019), allowed Dakota County to take advantage of grant reimbursement funds available, which commences with the execution of the agreement by all parties and terminates on April 25, 2024. The Sheriff is requesting authorization to execute a new joint powers agreement (Attachment) which commences when executed by all parties and expires five years after that date.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
The Sheriff recommends executing a JPA with the MICAC Task Force for the purpose of investigating crimes committed via the Internet involving children from the date of execution and expiring five years after that date.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
Potential reimbursement for equipment, training and overtime through this agreement is included in the Sheriff’s Office and Electronic Crimes Unit’s current budgets.
☐ None ☒ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, crimes involving children and their sexual exploitation through the Internet via computers and other technology have become widespread, and the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office, through its Electronic Crimes Task Force, currently investigates these types of crimes; and
WHEREAS, the State of Minnesota, Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, with funding from the federal government, established the Minnesota Internet crimes Against Children (MICAC) Task Force with other law enforcement agencies to investigative these types of crimes; and
WHEREAS, the current joint powers agreement will expire on April 25, 2024, and the Dakota County Sheriff and the State of Minnesota desire authorization to execute a new joint powers agreement to work together in the investigation of child pornography and related offenses; and
WHEREAS, the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office, through its association with MICAC, will be able to obtain specialized training and equipment at no cost to the County that otherwise would be purchased with County funds, in addition to employee overtime.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Sheriff to execute a joint powers agreement with the State of Minnesota, acting through its Commissioner of Public Safety, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, for the purpose of accessing federal funds disbursed by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency prevention to the Minnesota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, commencing on the date the agreement is signed by all parties and ending five years after that date, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to Form.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
19-471; 4/9/19
16-406; 8/2/16
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Joint Powers Agreement
BOARD GOALS
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☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Joe Leko
Author: Nina Langer