The authority to offer and pay a reward leading to the arrest and conviction of a criminal is reasonably contemplated by this chapter to the extent an expenditure of city funds in return for valuable information can be considered payment for the rendering of services to the city, as contemplated by Section 2.30.010.
(a) The City Manager is authorized to offer and pay a reward of up to $25,000.00 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person or persons whose willful conduct causes unlawful injury or death to another person, or whose willful misconduct results in unlawful damage or destruction of personal property of the city or another person. The City Manager shall cause the reward offer to be publicized and reported to the Council.
(b) A reward shall not be paid unless the information is received by the Palo Alto Police Department within ninety days of publication of the reward offer.
(c) Conviction of the person or persons found responsible for the crime shall be required for payment of a reward unless the City Manager makes a written finding that the conviction, determination of guilt, or finding of responsibility was impossible due to the death of the criminal.
(d) Reward claims shall be made, in writing, and the claimant shall provide his or her name, address and telephone number. Unless disclosure is authorized by the claimant, this information shall be deemed confidential and protected from public disclosure to the maximum extent permitted by California law.
(e) Each reward offer shall be made, in writing, and shall be valid only if approved in advance as to form and in compliance with this Section by the City Attorney.
(Ord. 5494 § 39, 2020: Ord. 5387 § 1 (part), 2016: Ord. 4827 § 1 (part), 2004)