February 25, 2025
Police Department
DATE: February 25, 2025
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM: Bisa French, Chief of Police
Subject:
Purchase of Four Laser Tech LTI 20/20 Tr uVISION Lidar
Speed Guns with Digital Camera
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The proposed expenditure of $27,635.05 is included in the Police Department’s approved Fiscal Year 2024-2025
budget – account string 01192021-400603.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None.
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
The Police Department is requesting approval to
purchase four (4) TruVISION lidar speed guns from Laser Tech Traffic Safety for effective and strategic traffic enforcement. The Police Department has historically
used radar technology, however, that technology is
outdated and less reliable. This purchase will allow for advance technology and enhanced tracking and safety.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
APPROVE the purchase of four TruVISION lidar speed
guns from Laser Tech Traffic Safety at a cost of
$27,635.05 – Police Department (Chief Bisa French 510-
621-1802).
AGENDA
REPORT
February 25, 2025
DISCUSSION:
For years, Richmond Police Department (RPD) staff have utilized both radar and lidar guns to combat speed violators within the City of Richmond. Those devices have become outdated and less reliable. In December 2024 RPD staff initiated an informal solicitation and received three quotes and ultimately selected the lowest bidder Laser Tech (Attachment 1). With the purchase of the four (4) new and updated TruVision lidar speed guns from Laser Tech, the RPD will bring advanced technology needed to combat dangerous driving and enhance road and traffic safety.
Laser Tech’s TruVISION laser speed measurement device delivers the advanced technology necessary to gather and store evidence for speeding, tailgating and distracted driving violations. It also provides a high-resolution image of the license plate number and full-length video of the violation. Furthermore, the device can be used as a handheld device and mobile unit, or it can be mounted on a tripod for hands-free operation. Intuitive and color-coded graphical icons make the device easy to use without advanced training. The removable secure digital (SD) card allows for secure transfer of data to the office. With 128-bit secure data encryption, the chain of command is tamper-proof.
The device includes technology that measures the time and distance between vehicles, giving officers the capability to prove “following too closely” (i.e., tailgating) violations.
With several different modes available, Laser Tech’s solution gives officers the versatility to adjust and adapt as needed depending on the circumstances, including the following:
Speed Mode – Within dense traffic, collect measurements and all pertinent data for oncoming or departing vehicle
Auto Mode – Automatically capture images within a fixed distance, such as school and construction zones
Rear-Plate Mode – Measure the speed and maintain a chain of evidence until the rear license plate is captured
City staff is recommending the purchase of four (4) TruVISION lidar speed guns from Laser Tech Traffic Safety for a total of $27,635.05 to ensure Richmond Traffic Officers are adequately equipped with advanced technology to safely and effectively conduct strategic traffic enforcement.
ATTACHMENT:
Attachment 1 – Quote Package