July 2, 2024
Police Department
DATE: July 2, 2024
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Bisa French, Chief of Police
Subject:
RPD Sole -Source Contract with Veritone for Redaction
Software as a Service
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The estimated expenditure of $15,000 is included in the Police Department’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year
2024-2025 – account string 01191021-400209.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
n/a
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
The Police Department must remove sensitive data
before releasing audio/video clips requested by the
Public Records Request Act and Freedom of Information
Act. Removing the sensitive data is a labor-intensive
process made easier by Veritone’s Redact software.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
APPROVE the sole-source contract with Veritone for
their Redact Software as a Service (SaaS) for a contract amount of $49,500 for the period July 1, 2024 through
June 30, 2027 – Police Department (Chief Bisa French
510-621-1802).
DISCUSSION:
Police departments all over the Country are increasingly reliant on body-worn cameras and other recording devices to maintain public safety and transparency, the City of AGENDA
REPORT
July 2, 2024
Richmond is no exception. However, the manual redaction of sensitive information from audio and video recordings is time-consuming and resource intensive. Veritone's Redact software offers an AI-powered solution that automates this process, significantly reducing the time and effort required. This allows officers and administrative staff to focus on their primary responsibilities, enhancing overall efficiency.
Veritone's Redact software ensures high accuracy in identifying and redacting sensitive information, minimizing the risk of human error and maintaining consistency. The customizable redaction policies allow the software to adhere to the department's specific requirements, ensuring we meet legal standards and protect privacy. By accurately redacting faces, license plates, and other personal identifiers, the software safeguards the privacy of victims, witnesses, and uninvolved parties, which is crucial for maintaining public trust and ethical standards.
From a cost perspective, automated redaction reduces labor costs associated with manual processes, offering significant savings. The flexible subscription model of Veritone's Redact software provides scalability, allowing us to manage costs effectively according to our budget and needs. This makes the software a cost-effective solution that can adapt to varying levels of demand and operational requirements, ensuring fiscal responsibility. Police Department staff currently estimate that roughly $15,000 will be expended each fiscal year during the term of the contract and is recommending an additional contingency amount of $4,500 in the event an urgent need arises.
Moreover, Veritone's Redact software integrates seamlessly with existing digital evidence management systems, ensuring a smooth transition and uninterrupted workflow. Its user-friendly interface requires minimal training, facilitating quick adoption by staff. Utilizing this technology, the police department will enhance operational capabilities, better serve the community, and uphold the highest standards of transparency and accountability.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Standard Contract