B.L.O.C.: BUSINESS LEADERS AGAINST ORGANIZED CRIME By Mike King Administrative Assistant Weber County, Utah, Attorney's Office How many times has the lack of funding cut short an undercover operation for local law enforcement? ``Too often'' is unfortunately the answer. Most law enforcement budgets can barely pay reactive costs, let alone proactive ones. However, in Weber County, Utah, a funding source has been found that has reaped substantial benefits for both the police department and the community. That funding source is B.L.O.C.--Business Leaders Against Organized Crime. B.L.O.C. is a private corporation formed of businessmen and community leaders with the goal of promoting a safer, crime-free community. Organized in June 1987, its original mission was to provide additional funding and equipment to assist local law enforcement in completing on-going undercover ``sting'' operations. However, B.L.O.C. also offers assistance for operations targeted against drug interdictions, property crimes and white-collar crimes, as well as for specialized training of police officers. ORGANIZATION Law enforcement professionals defined specific goals, policies and procedures when organizing B.L.O.C. A good reputation in the community and a sincere commitment to eliminate the criminal elements were essential criteria for a business to be admitted into B.L.O.C. Also, B.L.O.C. was structured as a corporation, with ``articles of incorporation,'' to provide a protective shield for the corporation's officers. The corporation's board of directors consists of a president, first vice president, second vice president, and corporate accountant, each with respective duties and responsibilities. The current president is a former police officer who has an understanding of both law enforcement and business community needs. As direct liaison between the police department and the corporate membership, the president receives all the basic information regarding each operation (type of offense, necessary property or finances to conclude a successful operation, possible length of operation, etc.) and then approaches the membership for approval to disburse funds or equipment. At no time, however, is any confidential information about the operation relayed to the president by the law enforcement agency requesting assistance. The first vice president is usually an elected public official. This person acts as a direct liaison with the corporation's accountant and is responsible for the annual audit of the program, which reports all findings to the board of directors. The first vice president also cosigns with the president and second vice president all disbursements to law enforcement for individual operations and projects. The second vice president is generally a private citizen who is publicly recognized for community service and civic responsibility. This person maintains membership records, enlists new members, and cosigns all payouts to law enforcement. The corporation's accountant is an accredited CPA with over 10 years of major account experience. The accountant maintains records of all financial transactions and completes all the necessary tax forms. From the beginning, B.L.O.C. was incorporated as a nonprofit organization, which allowed member businesses to deduct their donations, thereby adding a degree of credibility to the organization. The local IRS service center furnished the required forms and guidelines to make application for the tax exempt status. However, some jurisdictions could employ a local attorney with the necessary expertise or a district attorney with extensive civil law experience to process the tax-exempt application. FINANCING Money to fund the operation is collected through yearly dues, approximately $100 per year, although some of the larger businesses voluntarily contribute larger amounts. By keeping the annual fee to a minimum, busineses are more willing to join in the effort. The funds are invested in high-yield interest accounts, and the interest is used to finance projects or as ``buy'' money. The initial investment is kept intact to provide for a continuous source of funding; only the interest is spent. If the interest is expended, the corporation requests additional funds from the membership, as needed. Of course, there is always the possibility the program will be dissolved. If this does occur, the remaining finances will be used to purchase equipment for area law enforcement agencies. One major concern for potential members was the issue of liability to officers or members of the corporation. However, members are assured that because they have no control over how a police operation is conducted, they have no responsibility, and this is conveyed to both the police and the corporation's membership. OPERATIONS Affording contributors an opportunity to designate how funds are used is one of B.L.O.C.'s major strengths. However, most donations are pooled and spent at the discretion of the board of directors. Members are advised that the monies are directly used to fight organized criminal activities (but not for officers' salaries) or to provide specialized training to law enforcement personnel. To request assistance, the commanding officer of an undercover operation contacts the president. In the majority of cases, the request is usually for extra finances. But requests have also been made for equipment, vehicles, safe house locations, or other services that the corporation's membership can provide. There is no limit to the amount or types of lawful donations that the membership can provide. Another important facet of B.L.O.C. is the recognition given to local law enforcement officers at an annual banquet for exceptional deeds and accomplishments. Many city, county, State, and Federal officials attend the awards banquet to honor officers for their outstanding work. The extensive media coverage provided these events also garners community support for B.L.O.C. and law enforcement. ACCOMPLISHMENTS B.L.O.C. is paying big dividends for law enforcement and the community. Because of B.L.O.C., many undercover operations that would have ceased have been allowed to continue, thereby permitting major organized crime figures to be identified and charged. Over the past 2 years, B.L.O.C. assisted Weber County police agencies with undercover operations resulting in over 80 felony arrests, the recovery of over $80,000 in property, and seizures of over $100,000 worth of illegal drugs. In Weber County, B.L.O.C. demonstrates that law enforcement and the private sector can work together to combat the criminal elements that plague their community.  Downloaded From P-80 International Information Systems 304-744-2253