City of Hesperia
STAFF REPORT
DATE: April 15, 2025
TO: Mayor and Council Members
FROM: Rachel Molina, City Manager
BY: Steve Allen, Captain
Jonathan Rizzardi, Sergeant
SUBJECT: Purchase of Audio / Video System for Interview and Observation Rooms
RECOMMENDED ACTION
It is recommended that the City Council authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Genetec Audio / Video system for a not to exceed amount of $52,135 to replace the video recording system in the two interview rooms and two observation rooms at the Hesperia Police Department building.
BACKGROUND
The Hesperia Police Department’s Investigations Division regularly u ses audio / video recorded interview rooms and observation rooms during investigations. This allows investigators to conduct in-depth interviews with a victim, witness, or suspect in a remote location that is audio and video recorded. These recordings provide crucial evidence for court proceedings. Since the network disruption, security measures have been put in place to safeguard the secure network.
Unfortunately, the current audio / video system installed in the interview rooms and observation rooms is antiquated and it is not possible to update the software to comply with security measures for the network. Additionally, it is currently not possible to download audio or video from the current system, impeding criminal investigations.
ISSUES/ANALYSIS
Criminal investigations are hindered by not having the ability to record and download interviews, creating a negative impact on court proceedings. In the past year, there have been two separate interviews where the suspects confessed to felonies during the interview. Not having the appropriate system in place to capture the interview was detrimental to the investigation. Although the Station was able to work around these two interviews and ultimately obtain the recordings, this required significant resources which cannot be used on a regular basis.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has worked with Genetec for many years and their system has become the department standard for all audio / video system needs. The system is currently used in our jail system and several stations throughout the county. Genetec is a secure platform which meets the standards and needs for law enforcement confidentiality. The purchase of the Genetec audio / video recording system to replace the current system will allow investigators the ability to record interviews. This will get the Station back on track with the necessary equipment necessary to provide valuable evidence for the judicial process of criminal investigations.
Staff Report to the Mayor and Council Members
Purchase of Audio/Video for Interview and Observation Rooms April 15, 2025
CITY GOAL SUPPORTED BY THIS ITEM
Public Safety - Ensure public safety resources adequately protect our community.
FISCAL IMPACT
On March 04, 2025, the City Council approved a budget amendment for this upgrade with the Mid-Year Budget report. This staff report is to allow the City Manager to contract with Genetec Audio / Video Systems to replace the current system for the two interview rooms and two observation rooms at a not to exceed cost of $52,135.
ALTERNATIVE(S)
1. Provide alternative direction to staff.
ATTACHMENT(S)
None