Title
Consider and take action on a resolution authorizing the Police Department to submit a grant application to the Bureau of Justice Assistance (U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs) for the 2020 Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program in the amount of $186,286.07 and the naming of the grant managers (Chief of Police)
Background
If approved, the League City Police Department would move forward in the submission process for the grant through the Bureau of Justice Assistance for the 2020 Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program. This grant requires 1:1 funding match by grantee and covers body-worn cameras only with equipment and hardware.
The items being requested are 127 Axon Body-Worn Cameras, 127 Auto Tag Licenses, 127 basic evidence licenses, 10 professional evidence licenses, 8 eight-bay docks, and warranties for all hardware. If the grant were funded and accepted, the City would have to match the grant funds of $186,286.07.
From June of 2018 to April 2019, Department employees researched body-worn cameras, and during this process, peer-reviewed body-worn camera studies demonstrated the capability to improve police/community relations through increased transparency and accountability. Body-worn cameras also have a noticeable impact on use-of-force incidents and citizen complaints which could protect the agency from costly litigation. Body-worn cameras aid in evidence collection, prosecution, help mitigate citizen complaints, and improve police legitimacy. A survey of surrounding agencies indicates the League City Police Department is the only municipality not currently utilizing or being issued body-worn cameras. Most area agencies had body-worn camera systems in place for two (2) or more years. The League City Police Department seeks to equip officers with body-worn technology designed to enhance professional service. We believe body worn camera technology will improve public trust through transparency and accountability. Based on the research, it was recommended to make the purchase through Axon.
The items to be purchased are:
(127) Axon Body-Worn Cameras ($699 each) - Total $88,773
(127) Auto Tag Service - $91,440
(127) Basic Evidence License - $28,656.28
(10) Pro- Evidence Licenses - $18,720
(8) Eight-Bay Docks ($1,495 each) - $11,960
(1) Axon Starter - $2,750
(1) Technology Assurance Plan Docks (3years) - $5,376
(1) Technology Assurance Plan Cameras (3years) - $85,344
(1) Camera Warranty (2 years, end of Assurance Plan) - $35,553.65
(1) Dock Warranty (2 years, end of Assurance Plan) - $3,999.20
Although this grant only provides funding for body-worn cameras, equipment and hardware, and the basic evidence licenses at a 1:1 ratio, it should be stated that aside from body-worn cameras the Department will also be seeking to replace the existing video camera systems in the League City Police Departments Patrol cars and the video camera systems in the interview rooms in the near future.
In 2001, the League City Police Department partnered with L3 Mobilevision to install the agency's first in-car video system. The L3 Mobilevision software was purchased as an on-premise video evidence solution with an initial investment of $250,000 and an annual recurring maintenance cost of $10,000. Over the past three years, the League City Police Department has spent $291,172.25 to maintain and continue utilizing this system. The average cost per year has been $97,057.41.
L3 Mobilevision has failed to keep up with advancing technology over the past several years. Several local law enforcement agencies started with L3 Mobilevision but ultimately decided to change companies and partner with other vendors. Additionally, our Department was recently informed by an L3 representative that the company was acquired by Fleet Safety. After speaking with a representative from Fleet Safety, it appears Fleet Safety appropriated several market competitors leading to a consolidation of their product lines and an end of life for Mobilevision customer support. The L3 in-car video system used by the Department is obsolete and its lasting existence is highly suspect, therefore the Department must select a modern system. A review of modern systems shows current designs are founded on web-based technologies that emphasize scalability and functionality
The League City Police Department seeks to simultaneously replace all in-car video systems, interview room equipment, and acquire new body worn cameras from a single vendor to avoid working across multiple platforms. Working out of multiple platforms presents officers, evidence technicians, records specialists, and courts with additional challenges. It will increase confusion amongst staff, require additional staff hours to research the origin of video submission, and present cross platform redaction issues. Staggered implementation would cause inefficiency in business practices for an estimated 10 years while fleet equipment reached end of life.
Axon provided different pay options for this program. A payment of $1,244,548.42 would cover the expenditures for the program over the next five (5) year period, or the program expenditures could be divided annually over the next five (5) years as follows:
• Year 1 Body Word Cameras (BWC) - $103,483.00 Year 1 Total - $309,683.29
• Year 1 Fleet - $139,425.00
• Year 1 Interview Rooms - $66,725.29
• Year 2 BWC - $116,640.07 Year 2 Total - $246,508.07
• Year 2 Fleet - $116,100.00
• Year 2 Interview Rooms - $13,768.00
• Year 3 BWC - $116,640.07 Year 3 Total - $246,508.07
• Year 3 Fleet - $116,100.00
• Year 3 Interview Rooms - $13,768.00
• Year 4 BWC - $110,832.92 Year 4 Total - $240,700.92
• Year 4 Fleet - $116,100.00
• Year 4 Interview Rooms - $13,768.00
• Year 5 BWC - $71,280.07 Year 5 Total - $201,148.07
• Year 5 Fleet - $116,100.00
• Year 5 Interview Rooms - $13,768.00
This grant covers expenditures for the Body Worn Cameras Program for three (3) years. The grant for the body-worn cameras would be awarded by October 1, 2020
The recommended grant managers are:
Authorize Official - Michael Kramm
Financial Officer - Teresa McKenzie
Project Director - Charles Brown
Grant Writer - Kayla Davis
Attachments:
1. DataSheet
2. Proposed Resolution
3. Body Worn Camera Grant Approval
4. FY2021 Patrol New IT Item Request - Body Worn Cameras
5. Axon Quote
6. Body-Worn Camera Executive Summary
7. Body Worn Camera Presentation
FUNDING:
{x} Funds are available from Account: If approved, funding in the amount of $372,000 will be included in the FY2021 budget for purchase of body cameras. The expense will be offset by $186,000 in grant revenue.
{ } Requires Budget Amendment to transfer from Account #______ to Account #______
{ } NOT APPLICABLE
STRATEGIC PLANNING
{ } Addresses Strategic Planning Critical Success Factor # ______ and Initiative # ______
{x} NOT APPLICABLE