Res 1987-017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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PART IV - PROGRAM NARRATIVE 1. OBJECTIVES AND NEED FOR THIS ASSISTANCE. The primary function of the San Marcos Police Department Criminal Investigation Division is to investigate crimes in an effort to apprehend the offender and recover stolen property. Since 1982, the investigative squad has been composed of five investigators. A study completed in August 1985 of the Police Depart- ment by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education recommended that given the case load at the time of the study, the Criminal Investigation Division should have seven investigators. From 1983 through 1986, there has been a 33% increase in major crimes reported to the Department. The investigators are on a daily basis carrying twelve to fifteen active cases. Because of this large caseload, there is not time available for pro-active police activities such as stakeouts and undercover investigations in the narcotics trafficking area. Drug related arrests by the San Marcos Police Department in 1983 numbered 54. In 1985, there were 133 drug-related arrests. This is an increase of 146%. This is not due to any organized enforcement effort by the Police Department, but is primarily due to the increased availability of drugs in the community which the officers come in contact with by mere chance. In March 1986, Chief Galchutt established a Narcotics Task Force to begin gathering intelligence information for the purposes of aggressively enforcing the drug laws in San Marcos. In just two months, on a part-time basis, eight people were arrested for dealing drugs and almost $6,000 in cash was seized. The Narcotics Task Force was funded by the City through overtime funds in the Patrol and Criminal Investigation Divisions budget. When these funds were exhausted in May 1986, the Force was disbanded. For fiscal year 1986-1987, Chief Galchutt requested the Force be re-established, but was denied due to lack of available funds by the City. In 1986, 151 persons were arrested on drug-related offenses. This reflects a 13% increase since 1985. If we are to continue to make inroads into defeating the drug trafficking in San Marcos, we must have two officers to work full-time in narcotics intelligence and coordinate enforcement activities. The illicit narcotics situation in San Marcos, which is aggravated by the University population, mandates the need for the Unit. 2. RESULTS OR BENEFITS EXPECTED. The program will provide the Police Department and community with the resources to aggressively pursue the illicit narcotics trade in San Marcos. It will enable two officers to work on a full-time basis in combating the drug trafficking. By devoting 100% of their time in this area, the officers will be able to detect, identify, and make lawful arrests of drug offenders for successful prosecutions. By conducting undercover operations, the officers will be able to cultivate CJD-15a