HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 432-07City of Palo Alto
City Manager’s Report
TO:
FROM:
HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY NLA_NAGER DEPARTMENT:POLICE
DATE:
SUBJECT:
DECEMBER 10, 2007 CMR:432:07
APPROVAL OF THE ACCEPTANCE AND EXPENDITURE OF
CITIZENS OPTIONS FOR PUBLIC SAFETY (COPS) FUNDS IN THE
AMOUNT OF $120,403 AND THE APPROVAL OF $29,597 IN PRIOR
YEAR’S COPS FUNDS FOR PURCHASE AND OUTFITTING OF A
CRIME SCENE EVIDENCE COLLECTION VEHICLE, EQUIPMENT
FOR THE DESIGNATED RIFLE OFFICER ~RO) PROGRAM,
REPLACES~ENT OF THE DIGITAL IMAGING 5IANAGEMENT
SYSTEM (DIMS), AND UPGRADE OF DIGITAL VIDEO CAMERA
EQUIPMENT
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends the City Council approve the acceptance of Citizens Options for Public Safety
(COPS) funds in the amount of $120,403, as well as commitment of $29,597 in prior year’s COPS
funds for the purchase of a crime scene evidence collection vehicle, equipment for the Designated Rifle
Officer (DRO) program, replacement of the DiNtal Imaging Management System (DIMS), and upgrade
of diNtal video camera equipment.
BACKGROUND
Since 1997, the California State Budget Act has included allocations to counties and cities for the COPS
program. This funding is intended to fill the need for additional resources at the local level to ensure
public safety. Under the provisions of Government Code Section 30061, a percentage of the funds are
allocated to counties and cities, based upon population, for law enforcement services. Funds must
supplement existing services and cannot be used to supplant any existing funds. Each county is required
to continue the operation of a Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund (SLESF) to receive the
State funds and the county’s Supplemental Law Enforcement Oversight Committee (SLEOC) must
approve each agency’s proposal for the use of the funds. Prior to sending the proposal to the SLEOC,
the bill requires that each city conduct a public heating for the purpose of reviewing and approving its
Police Department’s request for expenditure of funds. Each city is also required to deposit the funds
into a separate SLESF so that these funds are not intermingled with General Fund dollars. The funds
must be expended within two years after receipt. Council has approved accepting COPS funding for the
last ten years. Council approval of the use of funds must be made by December 31.
CMR:432:07 Page 1 of 4
Previous uses of COPS funds have included the purchase of safety equipment, surveillance equipment,
evidence collection equipment, mobile data terminals, youth program activities, upgrades to the
telecommunications infrastructure, upgrades to the patrol vehicle and traffic motorcycle programs, an
additional sergeant position for the Special Problems Team, and a captain position and associated
training to assist in the City’s homeland security efforts. Last year, Council approved COPS funding for
purchase of electronic control devises (TASERS) following the Taser Task Force’s study and
recommendation.
In addition to the 2008 COPS allocation of $120,403, staff is proposing to use $29,597 of prior year’s
funding. Prior year’s funding is comprised of interest revenue earned on the SLESF.
DISCUSSION
Staff proposes to use this year’s COPS funds in the following manner:
Crime Scene Evidence Collection Vehicle: $100,000
The Police Department’s Crime Scene Evidence Team responds with patrol officers and detectives to
serious crime scenes (robberies, assaults, rapes, homicides) and is responsible for locating, identifying,
collecting, and processing evidence. The Depamnent currently has a significant amount of equipment
(lasers, cameras, video cameras, and measuring devices) used to conduct crime scene processing
activities and has a trailer to store this equipment, which is brought to crime scenes. This trailer is
insufficient to store all the Evidence Team equipment and provides no space for members to process
evidence.
Staff proposes using $100,000 to purchase and outfit Crime Scene Evidence Vehicle. This vehicle
would be used to store evidence collection and processing equipment and allow personnel to process
evidence and complete reports in a clean, well lit area at the scene of a major crime. The vehicle will be
stored at the City’s Municipal Services Center when not in use due to the lack of space in the police
garage.
Equipment for Designated Rifle Officer (DRO) Progam: $20,000
An increasing level of fire power and body armor is being utilized by criminal suspects in hostage
situations and terrorism threats. Police officers must be prepared to act decisively to defend innocent
lives. The Department currently has authorized the use of tactical rifles by a specialized trained group
of officers. These officers must qualify on an annual basis, and attend special training which includes
guidelines for deploying the rifle. Staff proposes using $20,000 to purchase additional rifles to be
placed in every patrol vehicle and expand the training and qualifying to include all officers.
CMR:432:07 Page 2 of 4
PREPARED BY:
DEPARTMENT HEAD:
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
P~T~ HAZ~
Police Chief
EM£L~ HARRISON
Assistant City Manager
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