City Council Staff Report Page 1 of 4 March 24, 2026
Staff Report
Agenda Item No. 5.1
DATE: March 24, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Joan Malloy, City Manager
SUBJECT: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with Crime Point, Inc. to Purchase a Police Surveillance Vehicle Utilizing Asset Forfeiture Funds
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with Crime Point, Inc. to purchase a police surveillance vehicle utilizing asset forfeiture funds. The vehicle will enhance public safety operations, support criminal investigations, and improve the Department’s ability to respond to community safety concerns.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
This item aligns with Goal C: Economic, Community Development, and Public Safety, which promotes community growth and innovation through forward-thinking strategies.
This item also supports Strategy 13: Align public safety services with community needs based on a data-driven decision-making approach.
BACKGROUND
The Union City Police Department has an ongoing need for enhanced surveillance and investigative resources to address criminal activity, including narcotics trafficking, vandalism, organized retail theft, human trafficking, criminal apprehension, and violent crime.
Currently, the Department’s surveillance capabilities rely primarily on stationary license plate reader (Flock) cameras and direct observation by Detectives, which can be limited by location, staffing, and safety considerations. A mobile surveillance vehicle would provide greater flexibility by enabling discreet observation, real-time data collection, and rapid deployment in response to emerging public safety needs.
The Police Department currently operates a surveillance vehicle; however, the technology installed in the vehicle is outdated and less efficient than modern systems. The vehicle is Agenda Item No. 5.1
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over 20 years old and, according to Public Works, a newer vehicle would provide improved reliability and operational efficiency. Additionally, the current vehicle model is no longer commonly seen on public roadways, reducing its effectiveness in covert operations. A newer model would better blend with contemporary vehicles.
Mobile covert surveillance is an important investigative tool for the Police Department and has contributed to the success of numerous investigations. The Southern Alameda County Major Crimes Task Force and the Alameda County Narcotics Task Force each utilize similar surveillance vehicles. The Union City Police Department previously participated in the Southern Alameda County Major Crimes Task Force, during which Detectives regularly utilized such a vehicle to support investigations involving illegal drug sales, gang activity, and violent crime.
Approval of this purchase would enhance the Police Department’s investigative capabilities by providing updated technology and improved operational effectiveness.
DISCUSSION
The proposed Police Surveillance Vehicle would be an unmarked vehicle equipped with:
Quick-Glance Surveillance Management Software – A centralized software platform that lets operators view, control, and search live and recorded feeds from multiple cameras in one interface. Primary benefit: speeds incident response and evidence retrieval by making all camera streams and clip searches fast and intuitive.
Virtual Technician Support – Remote, on-demand technical assistance from trained technicians who can diagnose, configure, and troubleshoot the vehicle’s systems without an on-site visit. Primary benefit: minimizes downtime and service costs by resolving problems quickly and keeping the van mission-ready. FLEX Network Recording System – A scalable, rugged digital recorder that securely captures, stores, and indexes high-resolution video and audio from vehicle-mounted cameras. Primary benefit: ensures reliable, tamper-resistant evidence retention with easy export for investigations and prosecutions. Ruggedized IP Hermit Cam HD – A hardened, high-definition IP camera built for covert mobile operations with weather and vibration resistance and low-profile housing. Primary benefit: provides clear, dependable covert video in harsh field conditions so operators don’t lose critical footage during long missions. Covert IP Antenna-Cam (roof-mounted) – A low-profile, roof-mounted camera disguised as an antenna and designed specifically for law enforcement surveillance vehicles. Primary benefit: delivers wide-area, discreet observation from a rooftop position, improving situational awareness without drawing attention.
The surveillance vehicle would be maintained and operated by the Union City Police Department’s Investigations Unit/Special Services Unit (SSU), in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local privacy laws.
Deployment of the surveillance vehicle would occur in accordance with Department Agenda Item No. 5.1
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policy, which will include data retention standards, public transparency procedures, and annual usage audits.
The surveillance vehicle will provide critical investigative support in cases involving organized crime, drug enforcement, human trafficking, and other complex criminal activity. Additionally, the technology will assist in emergency response situations, missing person investigations, criminal apprehension operations, and public event security monitoring.
The Department has prior experience with mobile surveillance systems, which have proven effective in reducing targeted crime, improving evidence collection, and minimizing officer exposure to risk. The proposed surveillance vehicle will introduce new technology that significantly enhances mobile investigative capabilities without supplanting existing patrol assets. Training and ongoing operational use will be conducted by on-duty personnel, minimizing staffing costs.
The Union City Police Department received a price quote from Crime Point, Inc. (Crime Point). Crime Point included a “Sole Source Specifications” letter. Crime Point states there are no authorized resellers or distributors for the equipment listed above under “Discussion.”
The estimated cost of Crime Point is as follows:
Surveillance vehicle.................$52,500
Surveillance equipment ...........$59,000
Total Cost: .............................$111,500
This report does not include an itemized list of components, as additional research and flexibility are necessary to ensure the selected equipment best meets operational needs and keeps pace with evolving investigative technology.
The Union City Police Department received two additional quotes for similar types of vehicles from two additional vendors. One quote was provided by LEA-Aid, and the other was provided by LDV Custom Specialty Vehicles. Although these vehicles are built to achieve a similar operational goal, neither of these vehicles nor the equipment meets the needs of the Union City Police Department, as well as the complete operational set-up that is offered by Crime Point.
The estimated cost of LEA-Aid is as follows:
Vehicle and Equipment..........$144,923
Transportation ...............................TBD
Total Cost ..............................$144,923 + transportation The estimated cost of LDV Custom Specialty Vehicles is as follows:
Vehicle and Equipment:.........$357,921
Transportation: ........................$11,191
Total Cost: .............................$369,112
Agenda Item No. 5.1
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The vehicle and equipment offered by Crime Point is the sole product that can meet the needs of the Union City Police Department, and it is also the lowest cost of the three quotes. The sole-source procurement is justified as Crime Point is the sole retailer of the needed vehicle that meets the Department’s operational needs, is cost-efficient, and aligns with the City’s best practices.
Pursuant to California Health & Safety Code §§ 11469, 11489, and 11495, asset-forfeiture proceeds may be used to support lawful law-enforcement operations – including equipment, investigations, and training – provided the funds supplement (and do not replace) existing budgeted resources and are maintained in a separate, audited account.
The UCPD asset forfeiture program operates under the direct supervision of the Special Services Unit (SSU) Supervisor. The SSU Supervisor reports on the status of the asset forfeiture program to the Investigations Manager.
To seize assets, investigators must establish probable cause that the assets are proceeds derived from the sale of controlled substances or were used to facilitate the sale of controlled substances as defined under Health and Safety Code section 11470. These investigations are conducted in coordination with the District Attorney’s Office Asset Forfeiture Unit. Current seized assets in our account have followed this protocol.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City’s Asset Forfeiture Fund (Account No. 21300000-33206) has a beginning balance of $304,563 for Fiscal Year 2025–2026. The proposed expenditure of $111,500 for the purchase of a police surveillance vehicle is an eligible use of these funds and will not impact the General Fund.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with Crime Point, Inc. to purchase a police surveillance vehicle utilizing asset forfeiture funds.
Prepared by: Brian Baumgartner, Police Captain
Submitted by: Jared Rinetti, Chief of Police
Attachments
1. Draft Resolution
2. Police Surveillance Vehicle PowerPoint Presentation