Extracted text (via pymupdf)
3687 characters
Item Number: H.7. CITY COUNCIL REPORT SUBJECT: Resolution No. 2651 - Intergovernmental Agreement for Participation in the West Valley Investigative Response Team (WVIRT) MEETING DATE: June 23, 2026 TO: Mayor and Council FROM: Rudy Mendoza, Public Safety Director/Police Chief REVIEWED: Reyes Medrano, Jr., City Manager PURPOSE: City Council will consider adopting Resolution No. 2651 approving an Intergovernmental Agreement among the Cities of Avondale, Buckeye, El Mirage, Glendale, Goodyear, Peoria, Surprise, Tolleson, and the Town of Wickenburg for participation in the West Valley Investigative Response Team (WVIRT) and authorizing the City Manager to execute the Agreement. BACKGROUND: Arizona Revised Statutes § 11-951 et seq. authorizes public agencies to enter into intergovernmental agreements for joint and cooperative action. The City of Tolleson Police Department has historically collaborated with neighboring law enforcement agencies to address complex and critical incidents requiring specialized investigative resources. The participating agencies have developed an Intergovernmental Agreement establishing the West Valley Investigative Response Team (WVIRT), a regional partnership designed to provide trained personnel and investigative resources for critical incident investigations throughout the West Valley. DISCUSSION: The purpose of the WVIRT is to provide a pool of specialized law enforcement personnel available to assist with the investigation, documentation, evidence collection, and related functions associated with critical incidents. Such incidents may include officer-involved shootings, officer injuries, deaths involving law enforcement personnel, and other complex investigations requiring independent or specialized investigative support. Under the Agreement, each participating agency will designate at least one sworn law enforcement officer to serve as a WVIRT member and participate in activations, training, meetings, and other team responsibilities. When a critical incident occurs, participating agencies may request assistance from WVIRT. The team will provide additional personnel and investigative expertise to support the requesting agency and help ensure thorough, objective, and professional investigations. The Agreement establishes procedures for team activation, leadership, cost responsibilities, indemnification, workers' compensation, and operational coordination among participating agencies. The Agreement will remain in effect through July 1, 2031, unless earlier terminated by a participating agency. Participation in WVIRT enhances the City of Tolleson's ability to respond to critical incidents by providing access to regional investigative resources and experienced personnel while promoting consistency, professionalism, and transparency in complex investigations. BUDGET IMPACT: There is no direct financial obligation associated with entering into this Agreement. Each participating agency is responsible for its own personnel, equipment, training, and operational costs incurred as part of WVIRT participation. Existing Police Department resources are sufficient to support participation in the program. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of Resolution No. 2651 approving the Intergovernmental Agreement among the Cities of Avondale, Buckeye, El Mirage, Glendale, Goodyear, Peoria, Surprise, Tolleson, and the Town of Wickenburg for participation in the West Valley Investigative Response Team and authorizing the City Manager to execute the Agreement. ATTACHMENTS: 1. Res 2651 West Valley Investigative Response Team IGA 06 23 26