Title
Consider a resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit a Grant Application to the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division for funds to operate the Police Department's Body-Worn Camera Program for FY 2016-2017.
Body
The proposed grant application would seek $75,000 from the Office of the Governor Criminal Justice Division and a $25,000 match from the City for a total of $100,000 to implement the use of body-worn cameras by the Police Department’s field personnel. Recent years have seen several high-profile incidents that have shaken the public's faith in law enforcement in communities across the country. With the increased demands nationwide for transparency, public trust, and accountability in policing, the Department seeks to implement body-worn cameras and necessary policies as part of its mission to provide public safety and help maintain a high quality of life for community.
The grant will cover the purchase of cameras and a portion of the storage required for implementation of body-worn cameras by sworn personnel. In the grant, there is $55,000 earmarked for storage, but the IT Department estimates that it will cost closer to $100,000, depending on data storage needs and the possibility that we may have to purchase additional servers once the program is fully implemented. There are sufficient funds remaining in the Self-Finance Construction fund to cover this additional purchase if it is needed. The Department also would be required to develop partnerships with prosecution agencies regarding the use of such video.
The City’s 25 percent match would come from the Self-Finance Construction funds included in the FY 2016 budget.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends approval.