Council authorizes five‑year intergovernmental agreement with Phoenix Police for ICAC support

Pinetop Lakeside — The Town Council voted unanimously to approve a five-year intergovernmental agreement with the Phoenix Police Department and the Arizona Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.

Detective Ricky Bunch described the agreement as a way to provide the town with training, technical assistance and a funding path for equipment that can assist in investigations of online child exploitation. “This agreement… provides resources to the town and to the police department to investigate these types of crimes,” Bunch said.

Bunch told the council the department could apply for equipment through the task force and be reimbursed after purchase; he said no specific equipment needs had been identified at this time. He illustrated the value of formal participation by describing a recent case in which the task force provided a tip that led to an investigation of a Pinetop Lakeside resident; the detective said the investigation led to an arrest and indictment on multiple counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and that the suspect is in custody awaiting trial.

The motion, offered by a council member during the meeting, approved Resolution No. 25-1796 and authorized the chief of police or the chief’s designee to execute all documents required to implement the agreement. The resolution was approved unanimously.

Details not specified in the meeting: the agreement’s detailed financial terms, any town match requirements, and whether assigned personnel will require specialized training funding.