DATE: DECEMBER 3, 2024
DEPARTMENT: SALINAS POLICE DEPARTMENT
FROM: DANNY WARNER, ACTING CHIEF OF POLICE
BY: TONYA ERICKSON, POLICE SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR
DIANA CALIZO, ADMINISTRATIVE ANALYST I
TITLE: PAYMENT FOR SHOTSPOTTER SERVICE
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
A motion to approve a Resolution authorizing the Purchasing Agent to execute a renewal subscription with SoundThinking, Inc. for a ShotSpotter subscription and increase the compensation by $490,000 for a revised not to exceed amount of $980,000 from December 14, 2024 to December 13, 2025.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
On August 31, 2016, the City of Salinas received $5.5 million from the State of California to go directly toward anti-gang and violence prevention efforts, with $1.5 million dedicated to three years of subscription services for ShotSpotter, as well as the purchase of necessary equipment and payment of associated implementation costs. City Council has approved payments to continue services in subsequent years, and on December 5, 2023, a new Agreement with ShotSpotter was approved. Funding for the ShotSpotter service was approved by City Council as part of the Police Department’s FY 2024-25 Budget, and staff is now requesting approval of payment for the Annual Subscription Services for the period December 14, 2024, through December 13, 2025, under the terms and conditions of the existing agreement.
BACKGROUND:
On August 31, 2016, the City of Salinas received $5.5 million from the State of California to go directly toward anti-gang and violence prevention efforts, with $1.5 million dedicated to three years of subscription services for ShotSpotter, as well as the purchase of necessary equipment and payment of associated implementation costs. City Council accepted the funds and authorized the execution of the initial Agreement with ShotSpotter on August 30, 2016. The initial three-year subscription ended December 13, 2019, and on February 25, 2020, the City Council allocated additional funding and approved a new subscription agreement with ShotSpotter to continue services through December 13, 2020. The funds for ShotSpotter were included in the Police Department’s subsequent annual budgets, and on December 5, 2023, a new subscription Agreement was approved to continue services. Funding for the ShotSpotter service was approved by City Council as part of the Police Department’s FY 2024-25 Budget, and staff is now requesting approval of payment for the Annual Subscription Services for the period December 14, 2024, through December 13, 2025, under the terms and conditions of the existing agreement.
ShotSpotter Flex helps law enforcement agencies by directing police officers to the precise location of gunfire incidents within seconds of the shots being fired. ShotSpotter uses acoustic sensors placed throughout the city to identify when and where gunfire occurs. There is no video component and ShotSpotter sensors cannot record voices. The sensors are deployed to cover those areas of Salinas where gunfire is most likely to occur, based on data collection. ShotSpotter is currently used in more than 100 cities worldwide.
The goal of ShotSpotter is to reduce gun violence and save lives. The information and data gathered assists law enforcement in solving crimes and in prosecuting those individuals responsible for gun violence in the community. Most recent available data show that in 2019, there were 252 ShotSpotter alerts, with only 7.9% of alerts having a matching call for service within 3 minutes and 300 feet of the shooting location. In 2020, there were 275 ShotSpotter alerts, with only 6.1% having a matching call for service. During Fiscal Year 2023-24, there were 322 ShotSpotter alerts and police officers were dispatched to 275 ShotSpotter incidents. While it remains critical for the community to call 911, the location of the gunfire can sometimes be difficult for callers to identify. Additionally, the community may be reluctant to report gunfire or a potential crime for a variety of reasons, including fear of getting involved. With the ShotSpotter service, an alert is issued within approximately 60 seconds and the alert provides a location which is accurate to within 100-feet without the need for a resident’s report or call for service. This fast and accurate alert system allows the Police Department to respond immediately to the scene to locate and provide aid to potential victims.
The Police Department continues to work to obtain an updated data analysis related to ShotSpotter alerts and corresponding calls for service but have been challenged due to data system changes, including the implementation of a new Records Management System (RMS) within the last few years. We have significant anecdotal evidence, and below are four recent examples of ShotSpotter activations and the associated activity.
In August 2023, officers were dispatched to a ShotSpotter activation for 7 rounds. Witnesses stated that they saw a male in the area and officers canvassed the area and located four shell casings and one live round. Subsequently, an officer authored a search warrant for a related residence and police officers located six weapons and over 1,000 rounds of ammunition. The suspect admitted shooting into the air the day of the incident and was booked at the Monterey County Jail.
In September 2023, a ShotSpotter activation indicated 2 rounds detected. Officers arrived the scene and began reviewing video surveillance of the suspect vehicle. The vehicle description matched a vehicle that the officer previously passed with two occupants inside. The occupants attempted to flee but were detained without incident.
In December 2023, Officers were dispatched to a ShotSpotter activation. As the Officers arrived at the scene, the victim flagged them down and stated that he and the suspect had been drinking and the suspect became upset. The suspect shot 3 rounds in the air and left the scene. Police Officers were able to locate and detain the suspect who was found to be driving under the influence, and officers located a weapon in the vehicle.
In October 2024, a ShotSpotter activation indicated 9 rounds detected. Officers arrived and located a victim who was suffering from gunshot wounds. A total of 11 fired casings and 3 live rounds were located at the scene. A Detective was assigned to this case, and through video surveillance positively identified 3 suspects, with a fourth suspect unidentified at the time. In November, a three-location search warrant was served, and the suspects were detained for attempted murder and gang enhancements. The fourth suspect was not at home during the time of the warrant service and is arrestable under these charges.
Funding for the ShotSpotter service was approved by City Council as part of the Police Department’s FY 2024-25 Budget. Staff is now requesting approval to make the $490,000 payment for the Annual Subscription Services to cover the period December 14, 2024, through December 13, 2025. Terms and conditions of the existing Agreement shall apply. ShotSpotter is in Newark, California and there are no local vendors for this service.
POLICE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE:
The Chief of Police discussed the previous ShotSpotter renewal during the Chief’s Report to the Police Community Advisory Committee (PCAC) on October 25, 2023. The Committee had no questions at that time. The PCAC has not met recently, so this current renewal will be discussed when PCAC meetings resume in the new year.
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).
CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES:
No, does not apply. The City of Salinas has determined that Government Code §84308/Levine Act does not apply to this proposed action.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
The proposed resolution will support the City Council’s Strategic Plan Goal of Public Safety.
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:
The Police Department consulted with the Legal Department regarding renewal and will coordinate with the Finance Department during the purchasing process.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
Fund
Appropriation
Appropriation
Name
Total Appropriation
Amount for recommendation
FY 24-25 Operating Budget Page
Last Budget Action (Date, Resolution)*
1000
40.4130-63.4980
Outside services Maintenance - Software
$1,143,000
$490,000
263
6/11/24, 22979
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
ShotSpotter Renewal Quote
ShotSpotter Services Agreement, approved 12/5/2023
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