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Lcas : # I <br /> <br />CONSIDER BUDGET AMENDMENT TO REPLACE ONE AND ADD ONE <br />PRELIMINARY BREATH TESTERS [ALCO-SENSORS] <br /> By: Jessie Hart, Finance Officer <br /> <br />Background: <br /> <br />The Police Department uses Preliminary Breath Testers [PBT's] in law enforcement in the City <br />of Ramsey. The Department had been operating with two PBT's until recently when one was <br />"lost". For whatever reason, the PBT's had not been included on the listing of fixed assets, and <br />therefore, had not been funded for replacement in any manner. <br /> <br />Police Chief Mike Auspos is requesting the replacement of the lost PBT and the addition of one <br />additional PBT to bring the complement to three units. There are often three officers on the <br />street during the late evening hours and this seems to be the time when they encounter persons <br />suspected of driving under the influence resulting in the need for a PBT. It is inefficient to have <br />only one in one squad, as it may not be in the squad in need. It is equally impractical to keep a <br />unit in the office since it would be necessary to retrieve it when needed. The PBT is also used <br />when encountering persons who are underage and suspected of consuming alcohol. <br /> <br />These units can be purchased for a cost of $334 each, or a total of $668. It has been brought to <br />our attention that it would be necessary to order the units directly from the manufacturer who <br />would then ship them to the BCA Chemical Lab for state certification and calibration. <br /> <br />Chief Auspos is requesting the funding for the replacement unit and the additional come from the <br />Drug Forfeiture/Police Special Fund. This Fund currently has a balance of approximately <br />$5,000. The justification for using these funds is that alcohol is a drug and it is treated as such in <br />law enforcement and use of the PBT often times gives probable cause to an officer for further <br />search for drugs. <br /> <br />Staff Recommendation: <br /> <br />Staff recommends that two PBT's be purchased utilizing funds from the Drug Forfeiture/Special <br />Police Fund. <br /> <br />Committee Actions: <br /> <br />Recommend Council adoption of Resolution #96-07-XX Authorizing Budget Amendment <br />Allocating $700 for the Purchase of Two Preliminary Breath Testers [Alco-Sensors] <br /> <br />Reviewed by: <br /> <br />City Administrator <br />Finance Officer <br />Police Chief <br /> <br />FC: 07/23/96 <br /> <br /> <br />