Agenda Item Request
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Authorization to accept the Howard G. Buffet Foundation grant funding for a civilian Criminal Analyst position for five years.
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Background and Purpose of Request
Human trafficking is one of the fastest-growing and most complex forms of organized criminal activity in the United States. Law enforcement agencies are increasingly tasked with identifying trafficking networks that operate across jurisdictions and rely heavily on digital platforms, financial transactions, and social media.
To effectively address this evolving threat, it is recommended that the agency create a Criminal Intelligence Analyst position dedicated to human trafficking investigations. This position would enhance investigative capacity by collecting, analyzing, and disseminating intelligence related to trafficking activity, allowing detectives to focus on operational enforcement and victim recovery.
The addition of a specialized analyst will strengthen investigative outcomes, improve victim identification, and enhance collaboration with state, federal, and regional partners. See attachments for more information.
Requestor
Captain Dean Fredericks, Sheriff's Office
Presentation
No
Funding Amount and Source
While the creation of a new position requires budget allocation, the cost will be fully funded through a five-year grant provided by:
* The Howard G. Buffet Foundation through the Maine Multidisciplinary Response Initiative (MTI) Preble Street Anti-Trafficking Services Program.
* The Howard G. Buffet grant provides $125,000 per year, totaling $625,000 over the five years.
* The amount provided by the Howard G. Buffet grant yearly will cover the cost of the total compensation for the position, associated costs of investigative subscriptions, cell phone, and issued laptop. See attached budget document. Although there is a small overage in the fifth year, the total amount provided ($625,000) is still more than the five-year cost of the position.
* Though the position ...
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