DEPARTMENT: SAPD
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Anthony L. Treviño (Interim Police Chief)
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
Body-Worn Camera Pilot Implementation Program FY 2015 Competitive Grant Application.
SUMMARY:
An ordinance authorizing the submission of a grant application, and acceptance of funds upon award, not to exceed $1,200,000 submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) in response to the Body-Worn Camera (BWC) Pilot Implementation Program (PIP) FY 2015 Competitive Grant Solicitation. The FY 2015 BWC PIP objective is to support the implementation of body-worn camera programs in law enforcement agencies. The intent of the program is to help develop, implement, and evaluate a BWC program as one tool in a law enforcement comprehensive problem-solving approach to enhance officer interactions with the public and build community trust. This grant is a two year program beginning in or about October 1, 2015 through September 30, 2017. The total program cost is $2,400,000 million of which the City will have to match 50% or $1,200,000 million in-kind or Cash.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The SAPD initiated it Body Camera pilot program in March of 2014. During the pilot program the SAPD selected six different models of body worn cameras based on studies conducted by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Each vendor provided 25 units to be tested and the equipment was tested by officers from the Downtown Bike Unit and the Westside Patrol Substation. The pilot was designed to gather data on the technology's effects on citizen and police behavior/accountability, evidentiary value, operation feasibility, program costs, compatibility with the in-car video system, and other factors.
The pilot program focused on four main issues/priorities while testing the various systems. These were:
1. Ease of usability for the officers
2. Capabilities/durability of the units
3. Storage and management of video
4. Support personnel needed to support the program
Based on the results of the SAPD Body Camera Pilot Program the Department developed and released a Request For Competitive Sealed Proposals (RFCSP). There were nine (9) responses to the RFCSP which are currently being evaluated and scored in order to select a vendor for body cameras for the Department. The final selection is anticipated to go before City Council on or about October 1, 2015.
The Body-Worn Camera Pilot Implementation Program Grant will assist the Department in commencing the implementation plan for body worn cameras by providing funds to purchase cameras and associated equipment.
Under this grant the SAPD will:
· Purchase approximately 1,030 cameras from the selected vendor.
· Focus on the purchase costs, deployment, maintenance of camera systems and equipment, data storage and access, and privacy considerations of the program
· Coordinate with the Bexar County District Attorney regarding policy and evidence retention and transfer of video evidence issues.
· Coordinate/work with citizen groups to promote transparency of program
· Develop a training plan and schedule to ensure all officers will be trained.
· Obtain baseline numbers of use of force, and complaints against officers, for selected units to assist in measuring the effects on police/citizen interactions
The total program cost is $2,400,000 million of which the City will have to match 50% or $1,200,000 million in-kind or Cash. The City's $1,200,000 million match is contingent upon City Council approval as part of the FY2016 Budget. The City's match will be a combination of additional staff to support the Body Camera project and a cash match.
Additionally, The San Antonio Police Department anticipates applying for a state grant for body cameras. The Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 158. The bill was sent to the Governor on Saturday, May 30 and is scheduled to be signed by him. The Governor has until Sunday, June 21 to sign any bills that have been sent to him.
The details on the grant are not in the bill but will be developed by the Office of the Governor in the near future. What is known about the grant at this time is:
· the Governor's Office shall set deadlines for applications for grants;
· grant will require a 25% match;
· money will not be disbursed until agency has approved policies and training in place; and
· must report annually on the cost for equipment and storage.
Earlier discussions were that funds would be made available around October 2015, but this will all be dependent upon the Office of the Governor's Criminal Justice Division (CJD) receiving the funds and developing the grant parameters.
ISSUE:
This ordinance continues City Council's policy of seeking intergovernmental financial assistance for City crime prevention and law enforcement programs.
ALTERNATIVES:
Without grant funding the SAPD will continue to seek out opportunities to fund the purchase and deployment of body cameras for law enforcement.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This ordinance authorizes a program budget not to exceed $2,400,000 which includes $1,200,000.00 in grant funds and $1,200,000.00 of In-Kind and/or Cash Match, with the match coming from the positions added to manage the program as well as Cash Match from the General Fund. The Match for this grant will be part of the FY2016 budget Process. Acceptance of the grant will be dependent upon final approval of matching funds.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that City Council approve the grant application and acceptance upon award. This approval will help enhance efforts to build trust in the community by providing greater transparency as well as provide for more accurate evidence in criminal cases.