Police Department
www.santa-ana.org/police
Item # 23
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Staff Report
August 20, 2024
TOPIC: Field Training Management and Community Engagement Software
AGENDA TITLE
Agreement with PowerDMS for Field Training Management Software and Community Engagement Software (General Fund)
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with PowerDMS (Agreement No.
A-2024-XXX) for software subscriptions as follows:
•One-year subscription to PowerReady for field training software in an amount not to exceed $8,074 for the period of March 28, 2025 through March 27, 2026 •Two-year subscription to PowerEngage for citizen engagement software in an amount not to exceed $59,375 for the period of September 1, 2024 through August 31, 2026
GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES: Yes
DISCUSSION
The Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD) utilizes a variety of technology software solutions to leverage resources and provide exceptional police services to the community. One such software used by the Training Division to manage the Field Training Officer (FTO) program is PowerReady (formerly Agency360).
The Department began using the Agency360 software in 2019 to automate recruit onboarding, centralize and standardize the field training records, and assess the trainer’s effectiveness. This cloud-based software provides real-time dashboards and reports to enable thorough analyses of the department’s FTO program and the readiness of new police officers. Additionally, the software provides immediate access to training aids, which support effective training and mentoring of new officers. In 2022, Agency360 was acquired by NEOGOV via its subsidiary platform, PowerDMS. The field training solution has since been rebranded and is now called PowerReady.
In March 2024, a purchase order and payment was issued to PowerDMS for the current one-year subscription to the PowerReady software in the amount of $5,029. SAPD
Field Training Management and Community Engagement Software August 20, 2024
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would like to continue using the PowerReady software for another one-year period once the current subscription expires in March 2025, extending the subscription to March 2026.
SAPD’s Communications Division plays a critical role in the Department's efforts to provide police services with integrity, respect, and compassion. With an average of 10,000 calls for service dispatched every month, most police interactions originate in the Communications Division and set the stage for public perception of services provided. A critical function of the Communications Division is to ensure a high level of customer service to our citizens by keeping them informed about the status of their calls.
PowerEngage by PowerDMS is the complete citizen engagement software and feedback solution for law enforcement and emergency communications. It keeps citizens informed, measures community satisfaction, and boosts morale with one automated solution. The software sends automated text messages to callers to keep them informed about their call while providing information such as the nature of their call, their incident number, and the date and time they called. PowerEngage generates text messages when a call for service is pending for an extended period of time (longer than 60 minutes). The message will update the caller on the status of their call, such as when an officer has been dispatched and is en route. Once the call is closed, PowerEngage can automatically send a text message asking the caller for feedback on their interaction with the Police Department using their survey tool. The survey tool can help improve services, identify department deficiencies, and receive positive reinforcement from the community.
In researching for an automated text message and survey software platform, only two companies were identified that offered this type of product. PowerEngage was the most cost-effective option for a two-year agreement. This software system will require interface with the computer-aided dispatch (CAD) and records management system (RMS). Therefore, complete implementation of this system may take four months. Upon conclusion of the agreement, staff will evaluate the effectiveness of PowerEngage and analyze the outcomes. If the software platform is successful, a new procurement will be conducted to ensure best value for the community. Funding for this platform was approved by City Council as a recurring addition to the annual budget.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
There is no environmental impact associated with this action.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds are available in the FY 2024-25 budget and funding for subsequent fiscal years will be included in the proposed budget for City Council consideration as follows:
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Fiscal Year Accounting Unit –
Account No.
Fund
Description
Accounting Unit, Account
Description Amount
FY 24-25 01114465-66511 General FundCommunications, Computer Software Subscriptions $27,387
FY 25-26 01114410-66511 General FundTraining, Computer Software Subscriptions $ 8,074
FY 25-26 01114465-66511 General FundCommunications, Computer Software Subscriptions $31,988
Total $67,449
EXHIBIT(S)
1. Agreement with PowerDMS
Submitted By: Robert Rodriguez, Acting Police Chief
Approved By: Alvaro Nuñez, City Manager