Staff Report
City Council
Item No. {{section.number}}.{{item.number}}
Meeting Date: May 22, 2024
From: George Crum, Police Chief
Title: Two-Year Contract with FLOCK Safety for Four ALPR Cameras RECOMMENDATION:
To approve the two-year contract with FLOCK Safety for four ALPR cameras.
BACKGROUND:
In 2018, the Police Department began a demo period with FLOCK Safety for two ALPR (Automated License Plate Reader) cameras. At that time, the department was the first in the Coachella Valley and only one of a few cities in California to utilize FLOCK cameras.
After a demonstration period, the department began acquiring more ALPR cameras. The program has evolved to 21 cameras currently in operation. These ALPR cameras are a tool the department uses to assist with criminal investigations. The FLOCK ALPRs have provided investigators with leads that would not have otherwise been available if not for the department’s operation of the cameras. Currently, most Coachella Valley cities have FLOCK cameras installed.
DISCUSSION:
In March 2024, Councilmember Gutierrez requested a quote for four additional FLOCK Safety cameras. The Police department received a quote from FLOCK Safety, that requires the signing of a two-year contract. The total two-year contract cost is $25,600. The first- year cost is $13,600, which includes installation and implementation costs. The second- year cost is $12,000.
The 21 FLOCK cameras currently in use, were recently extended to a five-year contract with an annual fee of $2,500 per camera with Council approval. These four additional cameras are priced at $3,000 per camera, per year. The previous five-year contact received legacy pricing, which is not available for these additional cameras.
These four additional cameras would bring the total to 25 FLOCK Safety cameras.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The fiscal impact is $25,600 for the two-year contract. Depending on approval there are two options available.
OPTION 1:
If approved for immediate purchase, Councilmember Gutierrez has agreed to utilize his discretionary funds for the first year, which would be 2023/2024 fiscal year funds covering $13,600.
The second year would require a Police Department budget amendment in the amount of $12,000 for Fiscal year 2024/2025, since this amount was not previously budgeted.
OPTION 2:
If approved for purchase with July 1, 2024, implementation date, Councilmember Gutierrez has agreed to utilize discretionary funds for the first year, which would be 2024/2025 fiscal year funds covering $13,600.
The second year of $12,000 could be budgeted into the 2025/2026 fiscal year during the budget building process.
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:
Goal E: Safety – Objective: Cathedral City is safe for all who live, work, visit, and play in our community.
Action E-3: Expand the use of cameras and other technology to promote public safety.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Two-Year FLOCK Safety Contract