DATE: November 17, 2015
SUBJECT:
Title
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) WITH THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES HARBOR DEPARTMENT REGARDING THE REGIONAL MARITIME LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING CENTER (RMLETC) FOR THE CONTINUED USE OF PORT OF SAN DIEGO HARBOR POLICE PERSONNEL AS INSTRUCTORS AT THE RMLETC AND GRANTING INDEMNIFICATION TO THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES HARBOR DEPARTMENT DURING THE COURSE AND SCOPE OF THE MOU
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The City of Los Angeles Harbor Department (Port of Los Angeles) established the Regional Maritime Law Enforcement Training Center (RMLETC) at the Port of Los Angeles so law enforcement officers from around the world can receive maritime law enforcement training. RMLETC has become a model for the region, state, and nation for basic, intermediate, and advanced maritime law enforcement training.
The San Diego Harbor Police Department (HPD) currently participates by providing instructors for RMLETC under a previous Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that was signed January 17, 2013. As a result, Harbor Police officers can attend classes as students and our instructors have gained experience as subject matter experts. The original MOU has expired and a new three year MOU has been drafted and includes a mutual indemnification agreement.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Adopt a Resolution authorizing the Port of San Diego to enter into a new agreement (MOU) with the City of Los Angeles Harbor Department which allows Harbor Police personnel to continue as instructors at the Regional Maritime Law Enforcement Training Center (RMLETC) and grants indemnification to the City of Los Angeles Harbor Department during the course and scope of the above MOU
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FISCAL IMPACT:
The yearly fiscal impact has already been factored into the Harbor Police training budget based upon overtime and backfill. Travel and per diem will be reimbursed through the California Department of Boating and Waterways via a signed contract. Travel and per diem can also be reimbursed through the State of California Commission on Police Officer Standards and Training.
Compass Strategic Goals:
This agenda item supports the following Strategic Goal(s).
• A thriving and modern maritime seaport.
• A Port that is a safe place to visit, work and play.
Participation of instructors and students at RMLETC reinforces the Port of San Diego’s leadership role in national maritime security.
DISCUSSION:
In January 2013, the Port of San Diego’s Harbor Police Department entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City of Los Angeles Harbor Department (Port of Los Angeles) to participate in supplying instructors for the Regional Maritime Law Enforcement Training Center (RMLETC). As a result, four members of the Harbor Police Department have been instructing at RMLETC for the last two years where they have taught maritime law enforcement topics to students from around the state, nation, and the world. These instructors have developed into subject matter experts in the maritime field; expertise which they bring back to the Port of San Diego. Almost half of the sworn officers of the Port of San Diego Harbor Police have been able to attend RMLETC classes, enhancing their capabilities and mission readiness for the Port of San Diego.
The original MOU has expired. A new three year MOU has been drafted with additional language clarifying duties and responsibilities of both parties. The new MOU has also added an indemnification section for both parties (Port of San Diego and Port of Los Angeles). Continuation of this agreement with the added indemnification will allow HPD staff to continue instructing and learning at RMLETC and protect the interests of both the Los Angeles Harbor Department and the Port of San Diego.
General Counsel’s Comments:
The Office of the General Counsel has reviewed and approved the proposed MOU as to form and legality.
Environmental Review:
The proposed Board action does not constitute a “project” under the definition set forth in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378 because it will not have a potential to result in a direct or indirect physical change in the environment and is therefore not subject to CEQA. No further action under CEQA is required.
The proposed Board action does not allow for “development,” as defined in Section 30106 of the California Coastal Act, or “new development,” pursuant to Section 1.a. of the District’s Coastal Development Permit Regulations. Therefore, issuance of a Coastal Development Permit or exclusion is not required.
Equal Opportunity Program:
Not Applicable
PREPARED BY:
Mark G. Stainbrook
Assistant Chief, Harbor Police
Attachment(s):
Attachment A: MLETC Partner MOU
Attachment B: MLETC Waiver