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Milton police outline evidence‑room upgrades, tow‑rotation ordinance and request to spend forfeiture funds on rifles
Summary
Police Chief Jennifer Frank told council an FDLE audit found the department’s evidence room needs retrofitting and described a proposed tow‑rotation ordinance; she requested up to $5,000 in contraband/forfeiture funds to buy rifles and accessories to begin equipping officers.
Milton — Police Chief Jennifer Frank told the council the department’s evidence room fails to meet standards identified in a recent FDLE audit and described proposed steps to retrofit storage and security. She also introduced an information item on a tow‑rotation ordinance and asked council to approve spending contraband/forfeiture funds to purchase department rifles and accessories.
Chief Frank outlined problems in the current evidence room, including insufficient physical security, lack of a drying room and mold and odor issues that have required remediation. “We do not have a current drying room,” she said, describing a sequence of temporary moves the evidence custodian must make and noting the room “does not meet standards.” She said staff is exploring retrofitting the existing footprint with specialized storage and that grant opportunities are being pursued to fund improvements.
On towing, Frank said the department has discovered some wrecker operators have been removing crash residuals in ways that increase stormwater runoff risks and that state statute requires a city ordinance to create a tow‑rotation list. She described a draft ordinance provided to the city attorney and said the attorney expects to return it before the next council meeting.
Chief Frank also requested permission to expend up to $5,000 in forfeiture funds to purchase rifles, slings and sights for patrol officers. “We’re asking for a request to expend up to $5,000 to utilize that money that we received from the forfeiture act, to purchase some rifles,” she said, adding that the department hopes to buy four to five rifles initially and that best practice would be to equip all 21 officers over time. Chief Frank said weapons would be purchased at law‑enforcement pricing and vehicle mounts and secure storage would also need funding.
Council did not take a final vote; staff recommended placing related procurement and ordinance ratifications on the upcoming consent agenda or returning with an ordinance after attorney review.
