TO: Members of the City Council
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
|
Police |
Chief Darrell Lowe |
425-556-2521 |
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
|
Police |
Brian Coats |
Deputy Police Chief |
TITLE:
title
Acceptance of the Washington Auto Theft Prevention Authority Grant, in the Amount of $44,100, and Direct the Finance Department to Recognize the Revenue to Fund Fixed Automated License Plate Readers
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
The police department is seeking Council’s approval to accept funding in the amount of $44,100.00 from the Washington Auto Theft Prevention Authority (WATPA) to address auto theft in local communities.
Adding to the Commerce grant approved by Council at the August 5, 2024 Business Meeting, the department intends to enhance its capabilities by installing automated license plate readers (ALPRs) in strategic locations throughout the city. Flock Safety has been identified as the vendor for this project and will be responsible for the installation, maintenance, and support of the cameras with the goal being to reduce crime in the community. Flock Safety has provided a quote specific to this award amount.
body
☐ Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
☐ Receive Information ☐ Provide Direction ☒ Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
• Relevant Plans/Policies:
N/A
• Required:
Council approval is required for grant acceptance.
• Council Request:
Approve grant funding
• Other Key Facts:
N/A
OUTCOMES:
Strategically located intersections were identified within the City to place the Flock cameras to capture the most license plates entering and leaving the City limits. The concept of this approach is for officers and dispatchers to be alerted whenever a “Wanted” or “Hot List” vehicle or vehicle used in the commission of a crime is captured on a Flock camera. Officers will respond to the area and look for the vehicle based on the last known location. Vehicles typically placed on “Hot Lists” include stolen vehicles, wanted persons connected to vehicles, and missing persons.
Whether responding to a crime in-progress or investigating a past crime, Flock camera technology can locate vehicles based on a description of the vehicle without needing the license plate number. For example, a vehicle involved in a crime described as a red sports car with a spoiler can be entered into the search parameters. Using just that information, the Flock cameras will locate all vehicles matching that description and provide information concerning location, direction of travel, and license plate number.
The police department intends to partner with local homeowner’s associations and retail stores who already have or have plans to install Flock ALPR cameras. Through a data-sharing agreement between the police department and private entities, officers and investigators will have access to a tremendous amount of data used to solve and reduce crimes, while holding violators accountable for their actions.
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
• Timeline (previous or planned):
The use of ALPR technology was approved by Council on August 5, 2024 as a pilot program.
• Outreach Methods and Results:
N/A
• Feedback Summary:
N/A
BUDGET IMPACT:
Total Cost:
No budget impact
Approved in current biennial budget: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☒ N/A
Budget Offer Number:
228 Criminal Justice
Budget Priority:
Safe and Resilient
Other budget impacts or additional costs: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☒ N/A
If yes, explain:
N/A
Funding source(s):
General Fund
Budget/Funding Constraints:
N/A
☐ Additional budget details attached
COUNCIL REVIEW:
Previous Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
9/10/2024 |
Committee of the Whole - Finance, Administration, and Communications |
Provide Direction |
Proposed Upcoming Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
N/A |
None proposed at this time |
N/A |
Time Constraints:
The grant award is effective June 1, 2024, and expires on June 30, 2025.
ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:
The police department will not accept the grant award and will research other funding options.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: Agenda Memo
Attachment B: Agreement Between Redmond Police Department and the Washington Auto Theft Prevention Authority