INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Indian River County Sheriff Deryl Loar appeared before County Commissioners on Tuesday in regards to funds acquired in recent law enforcement efforts, largely from drug related offenses.
According to official documents, the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act, “provides that proceeds and interest earned from the forfeiture of real or personal property shall be used for providing additional equipment and may not be used to meet normal operating expenses of the law enforcement agency.”
In addition, at least 15 percent must be donated to programs tackling such issues as drug treatment, drug abuse education, drug prevention, crime prevention, safe neighborhood, or school resource officer programs.
Sheriff Loar presented a plan divvying up the $56,000 from the Law Enforcement Trust Fund, $30,000 of which will go to create an Executive Roundtable of Indian River County.
According to the outline, the Roundtable will exist to “protect and enhance the lives of Indian River County children, individuals, families, and seniors.”
The Mental Health Collaborative will receive $13,000. The Narcotics Overdose Prevention and Education Task Force will receive $4,500.
Other agencies and organizations to benefit from the funds in amounts ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 include, 2-1-1 Palm Beach/Treasure Coast agency, Crime Stoppers of the Treasure Coast, A Child is Missing alert system, Florida Missing Children’s Day ceremony, the Homeless Family Center, and Safe Space.
County Commissioners approved Sheriff Loar’s proposal unanimously.
