For City Council Meeting [July 12, 2016]
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
APPROVAL: Michael Story, City Administrator
FROM: Randy De Anda, Chief of Police
Title
Request City Council to Approve the Renewal and Upgrade of the Police Body Worn Video Cameras, with Taser International in the Amount of $ 925,128.12 Over Six (6) Years, Beginning in Fiscal Year 2016/2017 and Approve a $90,222.78 Purchase Order for the First Year of the Contract.
(ACTION)
Body
BACKGROUND:
For several years, the Rialto Police Department has utilized cameras manufactured by Taser International for organizational transparency and legitimacy. During that time camera technology has improved, as well as the systems in which to store the mountains of data collected by those cameras. The Rialto Police Department is seeking to stay at the forefront of this technology, and maintain a leadership position in our industry, all while providing the highest level of law enforcement for our community.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION:
Video and audio documentation is expected by the public and legal system. Body Worn Camera systems have facilitated this expectation and are a vital tool in law enforcement. The Rialto Police Department has been a leader in this movement and a model for Police Departments across the globe. Agencies including the Los Angeles Police Department, New York Police Department and the London Metropolitan Police Department have all contacted the Rialto Police Department for information and guidance on the implementation of a Body Worn Video program.
The Taser Axon Flex 2 is the next generation of high definition (HD) audio-video recording device that allows officers to capture vital information prior to, during, and after incidents. The system is weather-resistant, offers HD color video, includes GPS, and is fully rechargeable with a 12.5 hour battery life. Audio and video data is uploaded via docking stations and is managed by a secure software system.
The Axon Signal devices mount within the marked patrol vehicle and provide automatic activation of the Axon Flex 2 cameras during certain events (light bar activation, vehicle collision, and deployment of the unit air bags). The Axon signal devices are designed to supplement the officer’s activation of the Axon Flex 2 camera in events where the officer may not be able to complete the activation. The use of the Axon Signal device will allow expanded recording in situations that may have been delayed in the past.
The Police Department has utilized camera and safety equipment from Taser International for several years, and in order to maintain equipment compatibility, continuity, and operability, staff is requesting to purchase fifty (50) Axon Signal units, one hundred and seven (107) complete Taser Axon Flex 2 systems, and related storage at a price of $925,128.12 over five (5) years.
Taser International has been recognized by the City as a sole source manufacturer of the Axon Video System and is completely compatible with the Taser and Taser CEW Systems currently being utilized by the Police Department. Staff has worked with the City Purchasing Division and determined that this purchase is acceptable as specified under Rialto Municipal Code 2.48.060 -Sole Source Provision.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT:
The proposed action does not meet the definition of a project as defined by Section 15378 California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). A “Project” means the whole of an action, which has a potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, and excludes the following:
1) Continuing administrative or maintenance activities, such as purchases for supplies, personnel-related actions, general policy and procedure making
2) Organizational or administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or in direct physical changes in the environment.
GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY:
The City of Rialto has outlined key goals and objects relating to public safety. The purchase of this technology is in consistent with meeting these objectives.
Goal 5-8: Provide effective and comprehensive policing services that meet the safety needs of Rialto.
Policy 5-8.4: Initiate proactive crime suppression and prevention strategies throughout the community.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The Staff Report has been reviewed and approved by the City Attorney.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Funding of $90,222.78 for the Taser International contract is budgeted and available in approved budget for fiscal year 2016/2017 in Account No. 010-500-6281-2011. FY2016/2017 represents the first year of a six year contract with Taser International. Funding needed for fiscal years 2017/2018 through 2021/2022 will be budgeted each year in Account No. 010-500-6281-2011 for this contract.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that City Council:
• Approve the six (6) year contract and purchase of fifty (50) Axon Signal units, one hundred and seven (107) complete Taser Axon Flex 2 systems, and related storage and maintenance agreement at a price of $925,128.12.
• Approve a purchase order in the amount of $90,222.78 for Fiscal Year 2016/2017 for Taser Axon Flex 2 units, components, licenses, storage and maintenance agreement with Taser International.
• Approve the issuance of a purchase order for Taser International for the amount of the remaining five (5) years through fiscal year 2021/2022 as stated in the contract.