Title
a. Approve a standard Agreement with the Pilots of the Monterey County Sheriff’s Aero Squadron (MCSAS) and the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), effective upon signature of Sheriff or Undersheriff; and
b. Authorize the Sheriff or Undersheriff to sign future standard agreements with any Pilot who has been approved and authorized by the MCSAS (in accordance with MCSAS requirements).
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve a standard Agreement with the Pilots of the Monterey County Sheriff’s Aero Squadron (MCSAS) and the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), effective upon signature of Sheriff or Undersheriff; and
b. Authorize the Sheriff or Undersheriff to sign future standard agreements with any Pilot who has been approved and authorized by the MCSAS (in accordance with MCSAS requirements).
SUMMARY/DISUSSION:
The MCSO patrols over 3,280 square miles of land and provides protection to over 400,000 people who live inside their jurisdiction. Given the fiscal constraints of today's law enforcement environment, many local police and sheriff agencies are unable to fully implement an aviation division due to the inherent costs to operate aircraft and pay professional law enforcement pilots. To cope with the extreme costs, some smaller police forces around the country have relied on the help of volunteer civilian pilots to augment law enforcement-based aviation operations.
The MCSAS is operated by a volunteer group of pilots. They conduct search and rescue, patrol and special operations air support and communications relay. Deputies work as Tactical Flight Officers ride in the back of the plane operating the camera and coordinate assets on the ground.
The MCSAS has worked with the MCSO for several years, providing support at Raceway Laguna Seca, Golfing’s at Pebble Beach, protest, etc. to name a few; however, now the MCSAS is requesting a formal written agreement to continue to provide these services. The Sheriff’s Office is requesting approval of the standard Agreement, so that the Agreement may be used as future pilots join the MCSAS.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel and Risk Management have approved this agreement.
FINANCING:
The County purchases insurance through the General Liability Internal Service Fund to cover the County-owned aircraft, and personal injury to the volunteer pilots and passengers. There is no cost to the General Fund.
BOARD OF SUPERVISOR STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This contract meets the Board’s strategic initiatives by hiring qualified employees to enable it to meet the Board’s desire to:
“Create a safe environment for people to achieve their potential”
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives
Economic Development
Administration
Health & Human Services
Infrastructure
X Public Safety
Prepared by: Arthur Curtright, Management Analyst II, Ext #3708
Approved by: Steve Bernal, Sheriff/Coroner, Ext #3750
Attachments: Attachment A - Agreement between MCSO and Pilots of MCSAS