DATE: OCTOBER 10, 2023
DEPARTMENT: SALINAS POLICE DEPARTMENT
FROM: ROBERTO FILICE, CHIEF OF POLICE
BY: TONYA ERICKSON, POLICE SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR
TITLE: LEASE OF LPR CAMERAS FROM FLOCK GROUP, INC.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
A motion to approve a Resolution authorizing the execution of a 24-month lease for eleven (11) License Plate Reader (LPR) cameras from Flock Group, Inc. with a Year 1 cost of $34,650 and a Year 2 cost of $33,000.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that City Council approve a Resolution authorizing execution of a 24-month Services Agreement for the lease of eleven (11) License Plate Reader (LPR) cameras from Flock Group Inc. with a Year 1 cost of $34,650 and a Year 2 cost of $33,000.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
With funding from the 2022 Justice Assistance Grant (JAG), the Salinas Police Department is requesting approval to enter into a 24-month lease to support the installation of 11 additional LPR cameras within the City of Salinas.
BACKGROUND:
The Salinas Police Department has utilized LPR technology since 2018 and it has proven to be a beneficial tool for identifying and locating stolen vehicles and other vehicles linked to criminal activity. The City has been using Flock LPR cameras since 2021, and the Salinas Police Department was awarded $67,200 from the 2022 Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) to support the lease of additional LPR cameras. These JAG grant funds will allow the City to install another 11 cameras, with costs covered for a period of 2 years. The Flock Safety cameras record vehicle license plate information and uploads the data for comparison against state databases of stolen or wanted vehicles. The cameras also provide clear images of vehicles, showing not only their license plate number, but other objective data such as vehicle make, model, color, and unique details such as roof racks, bumper stickers, etc. These images provide objective evidence in solving crimes and are invaluable as investigative tools.
Flock Safety provides a desirable approach to deploying LPR cameras throughout the community. Unlike other fixed or mobile LPR devices, the Flock system provides the ability to cover more area of the city with system maintenance provided by the vendor rather than City staff. The Flock program is an all-inclusive model for deploying the LPR cameras. Flock Safety is the sole manufacturer and developer of the Flock Safety Camera.
The key benefits of Flock are that they charge an annual flat rate lease per camera of $3,000, which is wireless, free of infrastructure setup, and has the option for solar or direct power. They also include a two-year warranty, Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliant cloud-based hosting, unlimited user licenses, ongoing software enhancements, camera setup, mounting, shipping, handling, and a cellular connection. The Flock lease program ensures the City is not obligated to costs beyond the lease period, and prevents the City from being burdened with maintaining costly equipment at the end of the agreement, which could require replacement. At the end of the lease agreement, the Department will evaluate the effectiveness of the camera placements and determine if new funds should be secured to renew the camera leases. If the camera placements are something the Department wishes to maintain, it will have to be addressed as part of future grant applications and/or the Department budget process.
As Flock Safety is the sole manufacturer and developer of the Flock Safety Camera, there are no local vendors available to provide this service. The City Council has the authority to approve this direct purchase under Salinas Municipal code Section12-27 and without application of the local purchasing preference pursuant to Salinas Municipal Code Section 12-28.080.
POLICE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE (PCAC):
The Police Chief discussed the lease of additional LPR cameras from Flock, as funded by the 2022 JAG grant, with the Police Community Advisory Committee during the September 27, 2023 meeting. The Committee had no questions or comments related to these requested actions.
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
Not a Project. The City of Salinas has determined that the proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378).
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
Approving the proposed resolution will support the City Council’s Strategic Plan Goal of Public Safety.
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:
The Police Department will coordinate with the Finance Department during the lease and payment process, and with the IT and Public Works departments as necessary on technical and implementation issues.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
The 2022 JAG Grant will fund $67,200 of the $67,650 necessary to implement and maintain these cameras for the 24-month period. Existing funds from the current FY Police Department budget will cover $450 during Year 1.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
Flock Group Inc. Order Form and Service Agreement
Page | 3
Page | 1
CITY OF SALINASCOUNCIL STAFF REPORTCITY OF SALINASCOUNCIL STAFF REPORT
CITY OF SALINAS
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
CITY OF SALINAS
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT