DATE: SEPTEMBER 10, 2024
DEPARTMENT: SALINAS POLICE DEPARTMENT
FROM: JOHN MURRAY, ACTING CHIEF OF POLICE
BY: SETH MORTEN, POLICE SERGEANT
TONYA ERICKSON, POLICE SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR
TITLE: APPROVAL TO SEEK FUNDING FOR UPGRADES TO THE POLICE MOBILE COMMAND VEHICLE RECOMMENDED MOTION:
A motion to approve a Resolution authorizing the Police Department to seek funding to support the modification and upgrade of the Police Mobile Command Vehicle.
BACKGROUND:
The Police Department’s Mobile Command Vehicle (MCV) was funded in 2006 through an Urban Area Safety Initiative Grant (UASI). This custom-built command vehicle is equipped with computer terminals, police radios, cameras with zoom capabilities, refrigerator, microwave, and a restroom that all can be used during a prolonged event. The vehicle can be deployed as a mobile base of operation for command, control, and communication during critical incidents such as a hostage negotiation or mass casualty incident, or natural/manmade disasters such as flooding, wildfires, or earthquakes. The mobile command vehicle is a regional asset that can be beneficial to support and control law enforcement activities.
The MCV currently has old and outdated technology from 2006 and has had no modifications or upgrades since it’s purchase. The cameras are blurry, and some do not work. During the 2024 Salinas Rodeo, the entire camera system went down, and it no longer has recording capabilities. One of the two police radios do not work, and the computer terminals can no longer connect to our mobile police computer database. During a preplanned or a critical emergency, it’s imperative for law enforcement to quickly communicate with other first responders, view camera footage to make decisive plans and complete research all while in the field to ensure a safe outcome for our community and all first responders.
The Salinas Fire Department recently updated their MCV which has allowed them to be more effective, safer and deliver a better-quality service during an emergency. A similar update is required for the police department’s MCV to enhance collaboration with all first responders during preplanned community events such as the Salians Rodeo or the Salinas Airshow or critical incidents.
The Salinas Police Department does not have the funds within the FY 2024-25 budget to support the necessary modifications and upgrade, but given the age of the MCV, and the significant technology improvements in the last 18 years, it is a priority for the Police Department to modify and upgrade this vehicle to current technology to ensure the Police Department is able to respond to a disaster or significant incident when necessary. Given no available funds with the City budget, the Police Department is requesting approval to seek alternative funding, not to exceed $250,000, to support this work.
Assembly Bill 481 – Military Equipment Funding, Acquisition, and Use, requires the Salinas Police Department to obtain approval from the Salinas City Council prior to the funding, acquisition, or use of “Military Equipment” as defined by the Bill. Assembly Bill 481, codified in Government Code sections 7071(a)(1)(B) specifically requires approval of the governing body prior to “seeking funds for military equipment, including, but not limited to, applying for a grant, soliciting or accepting private, local, state, or federal funds, in-kind donations, or other donations or transfers.” As the Police Department’s Mobile Command Vehicle meets the criteria of AB 481 Category 5: Command and control vehicles that are either built or modified to facilitate the operational control and direction of public safety units, and the anticipated upgrades are significant in nature, City Council approval is required prior to seeking funding to support the necessary modifications and/or upgrades for this vehicle. Potential MCV upgrade options may also include a tethered drone which meets the criteria of AB 481 Category 1: Unmanned, remotely piloted, powered aerial or ground vehicles. More information about AB 481, including Salinas Police Department’s policy and equipment inventory is available at www.salinaspd.org/assembly-bill-481. Salinas Police Department Policy 709 Addendum A provides the applicable equipment inventory, including the purpose of equipment, cost, lifespan, and authorized use.
If the Police Department is successful in obtaining a funding award to support the necessary modifications and upgrades to the Mobile Command Vehicle, or the purchase of any associated AB 481 equipment, the department will return to City Council for approval to accept the funding and authorize any purchases or work to be completed.
POLICE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE:
The Police Chief presented the needed for the Mobile Command Vehicle modifications and upgrades, and the intent to request approval to seek funding, to the Police Community Advisory Committee (PCAC) during the Chief’s Report at the August 28, 2024 meeting. The Committee had an opportunity to ask questions or make comments related to this item.
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 Public Works Department’s Fleet Division on plans for modifications and upgrades to the Mobile Command Vehicle. If funds are awarded, the Police Department will further coordinate with the Finance and Legal Departments.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
There is no direct cost related to the department’s request for approval to seek funds to support potential MCV modifications and upgrades. Should funds be awarded, the department will return to City Council for approval to accept funds and authorize any purchases or work to be completed.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
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