Corona Municipal Code Ch. 9.27 Charge for Services Related to Police Special Response Team Incidents

The City Council finds and determines that police special response team call outs which may include the assistance of other city departments drain the manpower and resources of the city and may result in leaving other areas of the city without minimal levels of police protection and possible assistance of other city departments thereby creating a significant safety hazard to the community. The purpose of this chapter is to defray the reasonable costs of city services in responding to incidents requiring the police special response team.

(`78 Code, § 9.27.010.) (Ord. 2267 § 1 (part).)

As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings.

(A) "Special response team call out" means any incident of a criminal nature, such as a barricaded armed subject or hostage incident, requiring the response of the city’s police team that is specially trained in tactics, weapons and negotiations. Such a response may include, but is not limited to, support by other city departments for activities such as perimeter control, traffic control, fire equipment standby and other support or aid necessary under the circumstances.

(B) "Responsible party" means the person or persons whose actions necessitate the response.

(C) "Services fee" means all reasonable and actual costs related to the city’s provision of personnel and equipment in responding to and resolving a special response team call out.

(`78 Code, § 9.27.020.) (Ord. 2267 § 1 (part).)

(A) The responsible party shall be liable for a services fee to defray the reasonable and actual costs of a special response team call out.

(B) A services fee shall not be charged on any incident of a duration of less than one hour.

(C) The amount of the services fee shall be a debt to the city by the responsible party and, if minors, their parents or

guardians. Any person owing money shall be liable in an action brought by the city in its own name to recover such amount, including reasonable attorneys’ fees.

(`78 Code, § 9.27.030.) (Ord. 2267 § 1 (part).)

The Chief of Police, or his or her designee, shall notify the city’s Finance Department in writing of the name and address of the responsible party, of the date and time of the incident and the services performed by city staff and such other information as may be required. The Finance Department shall thereafter cause appropriate billings to be made.

(`78 Code, § 9.27.040.) (Ord. 2267 § 1 (part).)

(A) Any responsible party receiving a bill for a special response team call out pursuant to this chapter may, within 15 days after the sending of such bill file a written request appealing the services fee imposed. Any appeal regarding the billing shall be heard by the Chief of Police and the City Manager, or their respective designees.

(B) After a request for appeal is filed, the city shall withhold collection of the bill until conclusion of the appeal.

(C) If, after a hearing pursuant to division (A) of this section, the appeal is denied in part or in full, all amounts due to the city shall be paid within 30 days.

(`78 Code, § 9.27.050.) (Ord. 2267 § 1 (part).)