Somerville police to seek full-council approval for federal MOUs; cites asset-forfeiture support for investigations

Somerville Police Chief Wright told the committee the department is pursuing memoranda of understanding with Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and asked that the item be moved to full council for consideration.

"We have agreements with the DEA, the FBI, the United States Marshals Service, United States Secret Service, and we are entering into MOUs with the Homeland Security investigations as well as the ATF," Chief Wright said, describing the department's federal task-force partnerships. He told the committee the town benefits when officers are assigned to federal task forces and when the department can call on federal partners for investigations that cross jurisdictions.

Chief Wright described asset forfeiture as a funding source tied to federal investigations, saying proceeds can include U.S. currency and proceeds from seized property and that local agencies receive a percentage based on case involvement. He cited a recent joint investigation, including Homeland Security Investigations' assistance in an arrest at Palmetto State Armory, and said some matters have international ties.

Chief Wright also told the committee that federal partners can fund certain operational costs tied to task-force work, such as buy-money for undercover operations, vehicles and fuel, and that the town currently has personnel assigned to federal task forces whose salaries are town-paid. He asked the committee to move the MOU item to full council for formal consideration; a motion to do so carried by voice vote.

The chief warned that some asset-forfeiture funds are frozen while federal litigation proceeds, and that disbursement requires coordination with federal attorneys. He said the department has used similar funds in the past for firearms and training without direct cost to taxpayers.