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Mesa council reviews MOU with FBI to expand violent‑crime task force
Summary
Council members questioned a proposed memorandum of understanding with the FBI that would deputize Mesa gang detectives into a Safe Streets task force, clarify oversight by the Phoenix FBI field office, and provide overtime reimbursement, vehicles and forensic support.
Mesa City Council members pressed staff about a proposed memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Federal Bureau of Investigation that would formalize and expand local participation in a violent‑crime task force.
Commander Reno, who briefed the council, said the city has had related MOUs for about 13–14 years and that the new agreement would allow more of Mesa’s gang unit to be deputized to work on violent‑crime investigations. "This will allow our our 6 gang detectives to be deputized in a Safe Streets task force," the commander said, listing overtime reimbursement, four vehicles and access to FBI forensics as key benefits.
Council members asked how the MOU would change operations and whether Mesa officers would become federal agents. A council member responded that "they are city of Mesa police officers, conducting business as usual," and staff emphasized the agreement is largely about reimbursement and interagency support rather than a transfer of operational control.
Vice Mayor and staff clarified that oversight would be handled through the Phoenix FBI field office, which serves as the regional field office, and that Mesa retains supervisory authority locally. The commander also noted the city can opt out of the MOU with 30 days' written notice.
Supporters on the dais said the MOU would improve investigative capacity without changing day‑to‑day policing. Council members said they expected public comment on the item upstairs and asked staff to make the agreement and oversight arrangements clear in the formal presentation.
The council did not take a final vote on the MOU in the study session; the item remained slated for further public comment and action at the formal meeting.
