HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 4.D 08/03/2015Agenda Item #4.D
DATE: August 3, 2015
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members o 11 City Council through City Manager
FROM: Patrick Williams, Chief of Police
SUBJECT: Resolution Authorizing the Purchase from VieVu, LLC, of Forty Body Worn
Cameras and Two Charging Stations in the Amount of $35,554.43.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached Resolution Authorizing the Purchase
from VieVu, LLC, of Forty Body Worn Cameras and Two Charging Stations in the Amount of
$35,554.43.
BACKGROUND
Since the 1990's, law enforcement has utilized video technology, specifically in the use of
vehicle mounted dash cameras, seeking to improve evidence collection and conviction rates in
traffic and DUI incidents. As a result, law enforcement experienced greater conviction rates and
a reduction in citizen complaints when there was dash camera evidence. Additionally, video
cameras provided a level of transparency that previously did not exist. Dash cameras, however,
only capture events that occur directly in front of an officer's vehicle which represents
approximately just 5% of an officer's daily interactions with the public.
Cameras worn on the officer's body, commonly known as "body cams ", can significantly
increase the number of incidents an officer records during their shifts. The Cambridge Police
Foundation, with the cooperation of the Rialto, California Police Department, conducted a year-
long study on the effects of body worn cameras on the behaviors of both the public and the
police officers. The study, which concluded in 2013, showed that the number of complaints
against officers declined 88% and the number of use of force incidents declined 60% with the
use of body worn cameras. Overall, the behavior of both citizens and officers improved
significantly with the knowledge they were being recorded. This change resulted in fewer
injuries to officers and citizens, fewer complaints, better evidence for court, and a greater level of
transparency.
The United States Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, the Police Executive
Research Forum, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the American Civil Liberties
Union and a number of police risk management organizations all endorse the utilization of body
cameras as a best practice in policing. The use of body worn cameras will serve as a resource to
document and validate the professional, objective service our members provide to the
community.
DISCUSSION
Police Department staff began evaluating various body worn camera systems in July 2014.
VieVu was the only vendor willing to provide equipment for testing, and an on -site
representative to work with police and IT staff during the testing process, so ultimately it was the
only product given serious consideration. More extensive testing has been conducted on the
VieVu camera system by neighboring jurisdictions and this information was taken into
consideration as well. Currently in our area, the VieVu product has been selected for use by the
Novato, San Rafael, Vallejo, Fairfield, Oakland, and Emeryville police departments, and the
product is in use by over 4,000 agencies nationwide. In Petaluma, four officers tested this
equipment from July through August 2014, and recommended the camera for deployment. An
initial purchase of 23 cameras was made in January 2015, and the results have been positive.
The purchase of 40 additional cameras will make them available to all sworn personnel.
After the field testing and a review of the staff work, by other agencies, the Police Department
has concluded that the VieVu LE3 camera and incorporated video management software best fits
it's needs and objectives. The device is small, rugged, and mounts to the member's uniform shirt
at chest level. The camera is controlled by a simple on and off switch which when pulled down
activates the camera and when pushed up turns the camera off. To download the camera at the
end of a shift the member only needs to mount the camera in a docking station and activate the
management software.
There are two possible options for the storage of the recordings made during an officer's
shift. The first is a secured "cloud" and the second is a physical storage server. After discussions
with the City's IT Manager, staff proceeded with the purchase of a server when the initial units
were purchased. This provides for control of the data within the physical confines of the City's
computer system and is more cost effective.
FINANCIAL IMPACTS
Funding was included in the FY 15 -16 Police Department budget for this purchase. No further
adjustment to the police budget will be necessary for this item.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution
2. Quote by VieVu, LLC
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RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE FROM VIEVU, LLC, OF FORTY
BODY WORN CAMERAS AND TWO - CHARGING STATIONS IN THE AMOUNT OF
$35,554.43
WHEREAS, the City of Petaluma Police Department desires to implement a body worn
camera program to enhance transparency and accountability in the Police Department; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the procurement of this equipment from a sole
source in accordance with Section 4.04.050 of the Petaluma Municipal Code is justified because
of the need for the City's body worn camera equipment to be fully compatible in terms of
devices, features, use, software, data storage, service, etc., the City has already purchased 23
body worn camera units from VieVu, LLC, and such fully - compatible devices with all the
features of the VieVu systems are currently only available from VieVu, LLC; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of
Petaluma, as follows:
The City Manager of the City of Petaluma is authorized to purchase forty body worn
cameras and two charging stations from VieVu, LLC, in the amount of $35,554.43.
VI-EME"'
105 W John St
Seattle WA 98119
USA
1.888.285.4548
Fax: 206.299.3380
Bill To
Atten Finance
City of Petaluma A/P
PO BOX 61
Doh-h— (-A QAQI�4
Estimate
Date
7/12/2015
Estimate #
7588
Expires
8/31/2015
Exp. Close
7/12/2015
Sales Rep
James G Hillary
Shipping Method
UPS Ground
Ship To
Marlin Christensen
Petaluma Police Department (CA)
969 Petaluma Blvd North
Pat-ahima CA 94459
Thank you for your belief in our products.
We have several options if you like to process this estimate.
1. Forward a purchase order via email to info(o)vievu.com, or
2. Fax a purchase order to 206 - 299 -3380 or,
3. Contact VIEVU directly at 1- 888 - 285 -4548, or
4. Return this estimate signed and approved with a Lieutenant or above signature.
If you are tax exempt, please fax your certificate to 206.299.3380 or email to infoovievu.com.
If you need any additional information or assistance, please let us know.
Thank you.
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