CITY OF SIMI VALLEY
MEMORANDUM
October 9, 2023
TO: City Council
FROM: Police Department
SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET REQUEST, FOR FUND 100,
TO FUND TRAINING COSTS, AND THE PURCHASE OF MOTOR
OFFICER UNIFORM GEAR AND PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT, AND
THREE (3) POLICE MOTORCYCLES FOR THREE (3) NEW MOTOR
OFFICERS TO REINSTATE THE TRAFFIC MOTOR OFFICER UNIT
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council approve a Supplemental Budget Request, in General Fund (Fund 100) to authorize the Police Department to fund training costs , the purchase of motor officer gear and protective equipment, and three (3) BMW police motorcycles, for three (3) new motor officers at a total estimated cost of $139,500.
BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW
The Simi Valley Police Department’s Traffic Bureau utilizes motorcycles to enforce traffic laws citywide. The use of motorcycles provides an efficient mode of administering such laws due to the vehicle’s maneuverability and ability to navigate potentially obstructed roadways and other terrain; additionally, they help to facilitate direct contact with the public and are a beneficial community relations tool. Motor officers are primarily patrol officers utilizing a motorcycle for transportation and the enforcement of traffic laws. In addition to assigned patrol duties, the motor officer will provide general traffic enforcement, special traffic enforcement to problem areas where hazardous violations occur, traffic enforcement during special events, traffic collision investigations, and assist the City with traffic-related issues.
The Police Department receives a multitude of enforcement requests for directed enforcement from the City’s residents, City Staff, and School, and Park District personnel.
Furthermore, ongoing traffic collision rate analysis dictates where the Department will direct related enforcement. Many areas where enforcement is necessary are locations where such activity can only be done on a police motorcycle due to roadway traffic and/or other safety related factors.
The Simi Valley Police Department Traffic Bureau currently has one motor officer and due to increasing traffic safety issues and concerns, staff recommends increasing the AGENDA ITEM NO.
9A
2 Motor Unit to a total of four motor officers. To accomplish this, staff requests funding for the following:
POST Motor Officer School for three officers - $7,500 (approximately $2,500 each) Purchase of uniform gear and protective equipment for three officers - $21,000 (approximately $7,000 each)
Purchase of three (3) BMW police motorcycles and related up-fitting equipment - $111,000 (approximately $37,000 each)
Total estimated cost - $139,500
FINDINGS AND ALTERNATIVES
The Simi Valley Police Department Traffic Bureau currently has one motor officer and due to increasing traffic safety related issues and concerns, staff recommends increasing the Motor Unit to a total of four motor officers. To accomplish this, staff requests approval of a Supplemental Budget Request in Fund 100 to authorize the Police Department to fund training costs , the purchase of motor officer gear and protective equipment, and three (3) BMW police motorcycles, for three (3) new motor officers at a total estimated cost of $139,500.
The following alternatives are available to the City Council:
1. Approve a supplem ental budget request in Fund 100 to authorize the Police Department to fund training costs, the purchase of motor officer gear and protective equipment, and three (3) BMW police motorcycles, for three (3) new motor officers at a total estimated cost of $139,500;
2. Do not approve the purchases and training;
3. Provide staff with further direction.
Staff recommends Alternative No. 1.
SUGGESTED CITY COUNCIL MOTION
I move to approve a Supplemental Budget Request in Fund 100 to authorize the Police Department to fund training cost s, the purchase of motor officer gear and protective equipment, and three (3) BMW police motorcycles, for three (3) new motor officers at a total estimated cost of $139,500.
SUMMARY
The Simi Valley Police Traffic B ureau currently has one motor officer , and due to increasing traffic safety related issues and concerns, staff recommends increasing the 3 Motor Unit to four motor officers. To accomplish this, staff request s the approval of a Supplemental Budget Request in Fund 100 to authorize the Police Department to fund training costs, the purchase of motor officer gear and protective equipment, and three (3) BMW police motorcycles, for three (3) new motor officers at a total estimated cost of $139,500.
____________________________________
Charles Steve Shorts
Chief of Police
Prepared by: /Ritchie Lew, Police Commander, Traffic Bureau