HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-12-15 City Council (5)TO:
FROM:
City of Palo Alto
City Manager’s Report
HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
14
CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: POLICE
DATE:DECEMBER 15, 2003 CMR:552:03
SUBJECT:ACCEPTANCE OF CITIZENS OPTIONS FOR PUBLIC SAFETY
(COPS) FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $100,000 FOR THE
PURCHASE OF BALLISTIC SHIELDS, REPLACEMENT
SHOTGUNS, DIGITAL AUDIO RECORDERS, COVERT
VEHICLE TRACKING SYSTEM, AND ENHANCED TRAINING
EXERCISES
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends the City Council approve the acceptance of Citizens Options for Public
Safety (COPS) funds in the amount of $100,000 for the purchase of ballistic shields,
replacement shotguns, digital audio recorders, covert vehicle tracking system, and enhanced
training exercises.
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, 75
percent 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 each agency’s proposal for
the use of the funds must be approved by the county’s Supplemental Law Enforcement
Oversight Committee (SLEOC). Prior to sending the proposal to the SLEOC, the bill requires
that each city conduct a public hearing for the purpose of reviewing and approving the 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
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funds must be expended within two years after receipt. Council has approved accepting COPS
funding for the last six years.
Previous uses of COPS funds have included the purchase of surveillance equipment; mobile
data terminals; Positive Alternatives for Youth (PAY) program activities; upgrades to the
telecommunications infrastructure associated with the Computer Aided Dispatch system; an
additional sergeant position for the Special Problems Team; and a captain position to coordinate
the City’s homeland security efforts.
DISCUSSION
Staff proposes to use this year’s COPS funds in the following manner:
Portable Ballistic Shields: $30,000
An alarming increase in potentially violent situations and the weapons to commit them is an
ongoing concern for law enforcement agencies. The Department currently outfits six vehicles
with portable ballistic shields that are utilized during the initial response to critical incidents,
when patrol officers are confronted with some of the most serious and life threatening
situations. Staff proposes to purchase 20 additional ballistic shields for each vehicle to ensure
optimal deployment and the safety of all officers.
Replacement Shotguns: $16,000
The shotgun is a standard piece of equipment that allows officers to protect themselves in
tactical situations and deploy less lethal projectiles. The current shotguns are over 20 years old
and lack the enhanced sighting systems found on newer models. Staff proposes to replace the
shotguns in all the patrol vehicles.
Digital Audio Recorders: $9,000
The audio recording of all statements in major internal investigations is currently a Department
requirement. Digital audio recordings allow for easier capturing, retention and transfer of
statements. It is anticipated that Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office will soon require
the capture of all statements of suspects involved in major cases using the digital format. Staff
proposes to purchase portable digital recording devices for managers, supervisors and
investigators.
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Covert Vehicle Tracking System: $2,000
Vehicle location, tracking, and navigation are increasingly becoming an integral part of
conducting an efficient and safe surveillance operation. Utilizing a GPS receiver over a
cellular network, this portable system would provide the automatic display of moving vehicles
on an easy-to-read map from a PC. Staff has borrowed such devices from other agencies to
track the movement of suspects involved in stolen property, purchase of drugs and other
criminal activities in the past, but because they are not always available, staff proposes utilizing
funds to purchase the covert vehicle tracking system which would consist ofa GPS receiver and
cellular modem and software.
Enhanced Simulation Training Exercises: $43,000
Over the last year, the Department has utilized asset forfeiture funds and State domestic
preparedness and homeland security grants to purchase personal protective equipment, gas
masks, and less lethal weapons. Staff proposes to provide additional training to department
personnel on this recently acquired equipment and equipment proposed in this report. Funds
will provide for simulation training in new hazardous material safety equipment, and training on
the identification of hazardous materials and containment of both victims and suspects. This
additional training will enhance officers’ skills in the initial response to weapons of mass
destruction, including chemical and biological disasters, for the purposes of officer safety and
preventing or eliminating further casualties.
RESOURCE IMPACT
Palo Alto’s $100,000 allocation of COPS funds have been received by the City and deposited
into the City’s Supplemental Law Enforcement Service Fund (SLESF). Revenues and expenses
of $100,000 will be budgeted in the City’s SLESF as part of the mid-year report.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
Expenditures of funds associated with COPS funds are consistent with City policy.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
This is not a project subject to CEQA requirements.
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PREPARED BY:
Police Administrator
DEPARTMENT HEAD:t.Z..
LYNNE JOHNSON
Police Chief
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL :~~:~ ~
EMIL~-’~ARRISON
Assistant City Manager
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