(a) Definitions. As used in this section:
(1) "Arrest and conviction" means apprehension and a finding by a court of competent jurisdiction that the apprehended person is guilty. A plea of guilty shall be deemed to meet this requirement. The determination of the finding of guilt shall not be complete until the accused has exhausted all means of judicial review of his or her case.
(2) "Citizen" means any person who is not an active member of the Police Department or other recognized law enforcement agency.
(3) "Crime" means the classification of offenses defined as felonies or misdemeanors by applicable State or local law, excluding traffic offenses.
(1979 Code Sec. 9.12.010)
(b) Eligibility for Reward. Any citizen who furnishes the Police Department with information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person for a crime shall be eligible for a reward.
(1979 Code Sec. 9.12.020)
(c) Amount. Each application for a reward shall be reviewed by Council, and a reward of not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) may be paid by Council. The amount to be paid shall be within the sound discretion of Council, as a matter of grace and not of regret, based upon such factors as the seriousness of the crime, the element of danger to the informant and the length of time spent in connection with the apprehension and conviction of the wrongdoer.
(1979 Code Sec. 9.12.030)
(d) Application and Review.
(1) A person claiming a reward pursuant to this section shall file a claim, in writing, with Council, which claim shall set forth the name of the party convicted, the offense for which the conviction was obtained, the court in which the trial was held and a statement of the information furnished or action taken which led to the arrest and conviction. Council may also require an appropriate certificate from the City Attorney, prosecuting attorney or competent police official to the effect that the information given or action taken by the claimant in fact led to an arrest and conviction.
(2) Council shall be the sole and final judge of any discrepancy in facts presented to it and as to whether or not the claimant is entitled to any reward or the amount of such reward. The decision of Council shall be final. Nothing in this section shall be construed as requiring the payment of a reward in any case or under any circumstance.
(3) No moneys shall be paid pursuant to this section from the General Fund or from any other account of the City. Any amount determined to be paid by Council under this section shall be paid from a special fund consisting of voluntary contributions of interested citizens, merchants, civic organizations and firms in the City and deposited in a special trust fund with the Security Bank and Trust Company as trustee. Payment from such fund and such amounts as may be determined from time to time by Council shall be made by the trustee upon receipt of direction addressed to the trustee in the form of a certified copy of a resolution of Council making its determination.
(1979 Code Sec. 9.12.040)