Motorola Radios
Requested Action
Approve purchase of up to 45 encrypted Motorola radios
Total cost not to exceed $350,000 (includes 7.5% contingency) Radios include mobile and portable units for vehicles, motorcycles, and new officers
Financial Impact
$350,000 included in FY 2025–2026 Police Budget
Account: 01191021-400704
Why Additional Radios Are Needed
Expand equipment for new police vehicles, motorcycle units and new officers Equip new officers with safety equipment
Ensure encryption compatibility with existing systems (RPD, Code Enforcement, CCRP/ROCK) Meet regional interoperability standards through EBRCSA
What is EBRCSA?
EBRCSA is a regional communications system serving 43 public-safety agencies in Alameda County and Contra Costa County, covering over 2.5 million people.
It was created on September 11, 2007, via a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) to build, own, and operate a mission-critical radio communications network for police, fire, and emergency services.
The system is built to be “P25 compliant” (Project 25 standard for public-safety radio communications) so that multiple agencies can interoperate.
Why are we a participating agency?
In 2008, EBRCSA performed a radio needs analysis for West Contra Costa County.
The report was published on December 31, 2008, which listed over 29 deficiencies with the current 800MHz radio system operated by Richmond and neighboring cities.
Based on the deficiency report, the agencies made a group decision to join EBRCSA.
Who Authorized the Police Department to Join EBRCSA?
On February 1, 2011, the Richmond City Council authorized the Police Department to participate in EBRCS On motion of Councilmember Ritterman seconded by Councilmember Rogers all items marked with an asterisk (*-) were approved by the unanimous vote of the Council. *-Approved the Project Operating Agreement with the East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA) to participate in the East Bay Regional Communications System (EBRCS) for Contra Costa and Alameda County agencies in a one-time amount not to exceed $934,725; monthly fees in an amount not to exceed $18,150; and yearly costs in an amount not to exceed $217,800.
Additional Previous Council Actions
Feb 7, 2023 – Approved purchase of 175 encrypted portable and 150 mobile radios Dec 3, 2024 – Approved encrypted radios for Code Enforcement Sept 23, 2025 – Approved encrypted radios for CCRP/ROCK Nov 4, 2025 – Requested additional information on encryption (current item)
Benefits of EBRCSA
Benefit from regional coverage & resilience
Share cost & infrastructure
Coordinate for additional resources in emergencies
Cell Tower Used In Communication Loop
What Happens If We Do Not Participate in EBRCSA?
Develop and build a new radio system infrastructure
Radio Technicians/Staff to maintain and support new infrastructure Reevaluate/renegotiate contract with El Cerrito Police Department for Dispatch services
What Happens If We Do Not Participate in EBRCSA?
Increase in the number of dispatchers required to manage the Communications Center The estimated timeframe may take 2+ years to build out the infrastructure.
Increase an additional 25% to 37.5% cost to purchase Motorola radios and services Hire a company to perform a feasibility analysis to determine the actual cost and timeline
Why Encryption Is Required?
State DOJ Bulletin 20-09-CJIS mandates encryption of Criminal Justice Information (CJI) and Personal Identifiable Information (PII) FBI CJIS Security Policy Sections 5.10 and 5.13 require encrypted transmission Officer safety: prevents public monitoring of tactical radio traffic
Are There Other Ways Besides Encryption To Protect Confidential Information? Use of cell phone
Use of MDT/MDC
How Do Encrypted Radios Benefit The Community?
Ensures personal and sensitive information stays private and is for authorized law enforcement use only Protects victims, witnesses, and citizens identity and privacy Prevents eavesdropping on sensitive information - Civilians, Federal Agents Ensures the community that the Police Department is following best practices mandated by the FBI and DOJ for data security and secure transmission
What Happens If Council Decides To Set Policy To Unencrypt Radios? Reprogram the entire inventory of radios (over 300)
The estimated cost is $400-$450 per radio for reprogramming.
Increase the number of Dispatchers
Unable to provide Dispatch services to the El Cerrito Police Department
What Happens If Council Decides To Set Policy To Unencrypt Radios? Develop new processes, policies, and procedures for the transmission of private information Delay in receiving information immediately
Transparency of CAD Events
Currently reports are published on The City of Richmond’s Transparency Portal within 24 hours of occurrence Build a new analytics program to publish events before the 24 hour period 3 Weeks for the vendor to build
$30,000 a year
Host on our own server
Transparency
Continue communication via PIO, dispatch, and social media Continue to release all detailed calls for service and crime report data on the city’s website
Conclusion & Recommendation
Protect personal identifying information to comply with the DOJ mandate required for officer and community safety Radios are needed for new vehicles, units, and personnel EBRCSA membership ensures interoperability and cost savings Staff recommends approving the purchase of up to 45 encrypted radios
Questions?