Compton Municipal Code § 7-18 Reward for Information on Crimes

[1]

Editor's Note: Prior ordinance history includes portions of Ordinance Nos. 1593, 1913 and 2151.

[Ord. #2165, § 1]

The City Council may, on its own motion or at the request of another entity, agency, department or member of the public, authorize the offer of a reward for information leading to the determination of the identity of, and the apprehension of and/or conviction of any person whose willful misconduct results in injury or death to any person, or whose willful misconduct results in damage or destruction of property. The reward offer shall specify the person injured or killed or the property damaged or destroyed, the date (if available) the misconduct occurred, and the maximum amount of the reward to be offered.

Conviction of the person or persons responsible for the crime shall be required for payment of a reward unless the City Council makes a finding of impossibility of conviction due to the death or incapacity of such person or persons.

In the case of a juvenile, "conviction" shall be the sustaining of a petition against the juvenile or other procedure which is the equivalent of the conviction of an adult in a criminal court proceeding.

For the purposes of this section, a plea to a lesser offense or diversion of the violator to a community service program or volunteer work service program shall constitute a conviction.

[Ord. #2165, § 1]

a. A reward may be offered up to a maximum of $25,000. Private donations may be added to City funds to increase the size of the reward offer.

b. In the event of multiple contributors of information, the reward amount shall be divided among the contributors in the manner the City deems appropriate.

[Ord. #2165, § 1]

For a claim for a reward to be considered, the information must be received by the appropriate law enforcement agency within 180 days of the reward offer, unless otherwise extended by motion of the City Council not to exceed an additional 180 days.

[Ord. #2165, § 1]

Claims for reward offers must be submitted in writing to the Office of the City Clerk within 90 days after conviction of the person or persons responsible for the crime.

[Ord. #2165, § 1]

All claims for reward offers shall be in writing and provide:

a. Name, address and telephone number of claimant(s).

b. Name of the involved law enforcement agency.

c. Location of court and date upon which conviction occurred.

[Ord. #2165, § 1]

Claims for reward offers are to be reviewed by a representative from each of the following agencies and City departments: City Manager's Office, City Attorney's Office, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (Compton Station), and when appropriate the Municipal Law Enforcement Services Department and Fire Department. The representatives shall make recommendations to the City Council with regard to amounts and distribution of the reward. If necessary, other affected City departments and outside agencies will be consulted to determine the merit and validity of a claim.

[Ord. #2165, § 1]

Any person or persons whose willful misconduct has resulted in damage or destruction of any property of the City or any property of any state or federal agency located within the City of Compton shall be liable for the amount of any reward paid pursuant to this section; and if the person is an unemancipated minor, his/her parent or guardian shall also be liable for the amount of such reward.

[Ord. #2165, § 1]

No reward shall be payable to any person or persons who is/are:

a. A law enforcement official or officer, elected official or public employee in connection with the apprehension of and/or conviction of any person or persons whose willful misconduct results in injury death to any person, or in damage or destruction of property because it is the legal or moral duty of such persons to assist in the apprehension and/or conviction without payment of a reward.

b. Involved in the misconduct which prompted the offer of the reward by the City.

c. Acting as an agent for the apprehended and/or convicted person or persons or if the apprehended and/or convicted person or persons will benefit from payment of the reward.