Translate[Archived] Question #23: Can you provide more information about what is received from our $129,311 cost for the Sheriff's Office participation in the US Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force?
Question:
Can you provide more information about what is received from our $129,311 cost for the Sheriff's Office participation in the US Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force? (Councilman Chapman)
Response:
Per a memorandum of agreement with the United States Marshals Service (USMS), the Sheriff’s Office assigns one Deputy Sheriff to the Capitol Area Regional Fugitive Task Force (CARFTF). The CARFTF targets the most violent and dangerous fugitives who are wanted on serious felony charges. The Deputy assigned is sworn in as a U.S. Marshal and their primary responsibility is to investigate and serve high profile warrants and capias. The full services of the USMS are made available to the City through the CARFTF. This position also provides the Sheriff’s Office access to federal databases and works in conjunction with the U.S. Marshal Fugitive Task Forces throughout the United States. Additionally, the USMS provides a vehicle and other specialized equipment for the Deputy, that are not readily available in-house. The value of these in-kind resources is approximately $45,000.
Through this relationship, priority is given in the apprehension of Alexandria’s most violent offenders by the CARFTF, as well as 24-hour assistance throughout the United States in the apprehension of these fugitives. Additionally, the State Compensation Board uses the total number of warrants served, including CARFTF warrants, as one of several factors in determining the Sheriff’s Office funding.
An example of the coordinated work being performed can be seen in a 2011 case where a suspect wanted in Alexandria for murder, was apprehended in New York City by the U.S. Marshal Fugitive Task Force members and returned to Alexandria for trial. The U.S. Marshal Fugitive Task Force was also instrumental in the 2014 apprehension of an inmate who escaped from the Fairfax Hospital. Upon request, the USMS aided in transporting the out-of-state fugitives back to Alexandria through air services. Without this assistance, the Sheriff’s Office would be required to send two Deputies throughout the country via commercial airlines to handle the transports.
The Sheriff’s Office is projected to receive $18,000 from USMS as a result of this position. These funds are used to offset overtime not only for the Deputy assigned, but to other Sheriff’s Office staff performing the warrant service.