DATE: SEPTEMBER 24, 2024
DEPARTMENT: SALINAS POLICE DEPARTMENT
FROM: JOHN MURRAY, ACTING CHIEF OF POLICE
BY: TONYA ERICKSON, POLICE SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR
DIANA CALIZO, ADMINISTRATIVE ANALYST
TITLE: DIRECT PURCHASE OF VIGILANT FIXED LICENSE PLATE READER (LPR) CAMERA SYSTEMS RECOMMENDED MOTION:
A motion to approve a Resolution authorizing the Purchasing Agent and City Manager to purchase L5F Fixed License Plate Reader (LPR) camera systems from Vigilant Solutions, LLC for a total cost not to exceed $897,543.70.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Salinas Police Department (SPD) received an Organized Retail Theft (ORT) Grant award of $3,573,307 from the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC), and award acceptance was approved by City Council on October 10, 2023. The ORT Grant funds both Flock and Vigilant LPR camera systems and thus the department is requesting approval to purchase the Vigilant L5F Fixed License Plate Reader (LPR) camera systems, as identified on the attached quote, for a total cost not to exceed $897,543.70.
BACKGROUND:
The California Budget Act of 2022 (Senate Bill 154) established the Organized Retail Theft (ORT) Prevention Grant Program. Grant funds are to be used by local law enforcement agencies in preventing and responding to organized retail theft, motor vehicle or motor vehicle accessory theft, or cargo theft. At the September 14, 2023, Board of State and Community Corrections Board Meeting, 31 City Police Departments and seven Sheriff’s Departments were awarded a total of $242,250,000 in ORT Prevention Funding. The Salinas Police Department was one of the awardees, receiving an award of $3,573,307 for the period October 1, 2023, through June 1, 2027.
The Salinas Police Department’s grant submission focused on the need to respond to the growing threat of organized retail crime and continuing high rate of motor vehicle theft. The project’s goal is to deter organized retail theft, identify and apprehend suspects, and recover stolen property to improve the safety of Salinas businesses, increase economic activity, improve quality of life, and enhance public safety in the City. The grant will fund the development of an Organized Retail Crime and Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Program which will be technologically supported using merchandise tracking systems, license plate reader cameras, and computer forensic tools and equipment.
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. Due to the success with LPR technology, fixed Flock Safety solar-powered LPR cameras have been installed throughout the city, and with funding from a COPS Technology Grant, we were able to add mobile LPR to additional marked police vehicles. The department is now requesting to purchase fixed and hard-wired Vigilant LPR camera systems to be installed in the city. This new purchase will be fully funded by Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) Organized Retail Theft (ORT) Grant.
The LPR cameras record vehicle license plate information and uploads the data for comparison against state databases of stolen or wanted vehicles. The Police Department maintains both Flock and Vigilant LPR camera systems. The Flock Safety LPR cameras 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. The mobile Vigilant LPR systems record license plate numbers of parked and moving vehicles as they move about town. It has been beneficial to maintain both Flock Safety solar-based LPR systems and Vigilant mobile LPR systems, but the Flock Safety LPRs are solar-powered, and thus the recordings may be limited by battery life and the mobile Vigilant systems lack the ability to remain focused on specific areas or locations. The Salinas Police Department would like to expand the LPR technology by adding fixed Vigilant License Plate Reader (LPR) Camera Systems which are hardwired and thus not limited by battery life. These fixed LPR cameras are dual-lens cameras with infrared LEDs for plate illumination and can capture up to two (2) lane coverage during varied weather conditions. These cameras are hardwired and thus can provide continuous scanning and real time alerting, including data analytics, without the limitation of solar power. Given the desire to implement complimentary technology, the department is requesting the direct purchase of Vigilant L5F Fixed License Plate Reader (LPR) camera systems, with associated equipment, services and installation, as identified on the attached quote.
Though there are other LPR camera system manufacturers, the Department has elected to expand the Vigilant system as it is already in use by the Police Department and thus does not require additional infrastructure, technology, or staff training. The City Council has the authority to approve this direct purchase of the LPR camera systems, as well as payment of the associated annual subscription fee, under Salinas Municipal code Section12-27 and without application of the local purchasing preference pursuant to Salinas Municipal Code Section 12-28.080. Additionally, the purchase of these additional fixed LPR camera systems maintain compliance with Ordinance Number 2678, related to the Collection and Use of Digital Data, which was approved by City Council on March 19, 2024.
Police Community Advisory Committee
The Police Chief presented the request approval to purchase additional LPR cameras funded by the ORT Grant at the August 28, 2024, PCAC Meeting. The Committee had no questions or comments related to this purchasing request.
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 has and will continue to coordinate with the Finance and Legal Departments during the purchasing and payment process, and with the IT and Public Works departments as necessary on technical and implementation issues.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
Fund
Appropriation
Appropriation
Name
Total Appropriation
Amount for recommendation
FY 24-25 Operating Budget Page
Last Budget Action (Date, Resolution)
3282
40.7421-62.5120
Supplies & Materials Other Clothing & Equip
$925,000
$897,543.70
n/a
10/10/23, 22813
Grant Acceptance
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution – Vigilant LPR Camera Systems
Quote for Vigilant LPR Camera Systems
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