SEIZED DRUG ASSETS AID POLICE

DURHAM -- The Durham Police Department plans to use property and money
seized in drug raids to buy additional equipment to fight crime. The City
Council approved spending $200,195 Monday night in Controlled Substance Tax
Distribution Funds and Federal Asset Forfeiture Funds to replace police
equipment and to improve police operations. Durham police share a
percentage of the property and cash seized in drug arrests every year with
the state and federal governments. That money is placed in a fund that
police can use throughout the year. The police plan to use the money to buy:

. Three unmarked vehicles for $45,000. The cruisers will replace three
Special Operations Division cruisers with high mileage. -- A video
capture/enhancement system for $22,000. The system will help refine
surveillance tapes from convenience stores or banks where a crime has been
committed to help police track down the culprit.

. Ten radar/speed detection units for $14,000.

. Eight computers and software license agreements for $18,000. Special
Operations and Uniform Patrol division officers will use the computers to
help fight drug- and gang-related crimes.

. Equipment for the Selective Enforcement Team for $22,000. Two positions
are being reassigned to the SET

. the Durham Police Department's version of a SWAT team. Those two officers
will be equipped with weapons and special gear.

. Seventy-six hands-free cellular phone adapters for $400. The units will
increase safety because supervisors will be able to drive and talk
simultaneously.

. Three digital cameras for $1,000. The cameras are slated for the Crime
Area Target Team.

. $10,000 to the Special Operations Division Covert Fund. The money is used
to pay informants and to buy illegal drugs from drug dealers.

. $10,000 for more training.

. Equipment for new Uniform Patrol vehicles for $57,795. The cruisers are
taken out of service while being outfitted with new equipment. The money
will allow police to fully equip five cruisers and place them in service
while other cruisers are being worked on.