DEPARTMENT: Police Department
DEPARTMENT HEAD: William P. McManus, Chief of Police
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT: Proposed Chapter 19 Amendments - School Bus Arm Camera Program
SUMMARY:
During the September 2018 Public Safety Committee meeting, the Department provided an update on the status of the school bus arm camera program to include proposed ordinance amendments in response to concerns expressed by the Committee related to complaints regarding the existing citation and appeals process. The recommended amendments, approved for City Council consideration by the Public Safety Committee, are the result of an ongoing dialogue between the SAPD and participating school districts to identify improvements to enhance customer service.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Program Results
The table below provides the combined program results for each participating school district for the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 school years. It is important to note that to date none of the school districts have received any revenue from fines collected since the inception of the program.
|
District |
Buses w/Camera |
Citations |
Fines Assessed |
Fines Collected |
% Fines Collected |
District Revenue |
|
Northeast |
391 |
24,863 |
$6,801,400.00 |
$3,127,211.50 |
46% |
$0 |
|
South San |
36 |
2,228 |
$632,525.00 |
$283,182.50 |
45% |
$0 |
|
Southside |
45 |
1,010 |
$287,190.00 |
$107,941.00 |
38% |
$0 |
|
Southwest |
113 |
1,024 |
$292,000.00 |
$103,397.00 |
35% |
$0 |
|
Judson |
159 |
947 |
$256,750.00 |
$100,485.00 |
39% |
$0 |
Ordinance Requirements
The authorizing ordinance granting school districts the ability to implement a bus camera citation program was approved by City Council on June 30, 2016 and establishes the following requirements:
• Video of violation must be reviewed by independent third party
• Written notice of violation must be mailed to owner within 30 days of violation
• School districts must appoint independent hearing examiners
• Person must be given opportunity to appeal up to 30 days from date notice received
• No arrest warrants may be issued, violations will not appear on driving records
• Outstanding fines many not be reported to a collection agency
• Fine may not exceed $500; districts may assess a $25 if person fails to respond or pay
• School districts must submit an annual report to the SAPD by July of each year
Concerns
Since the inception of the program, there have been numerous concerns expressed by individuals cited for violations due to:
• Lack of public communication/education regarding program
• Confusion/lack of information provided with citation
• Difficulty resolving/appealing citations
• Lack of school district point of contact
Nonetheless, each school district recognizes the importance of implementing improvements that create a citation and appeals process with enhanced communication and establishing a more robust public outreach campaign to educate the public on the purpose of the program and outline the appeals process for those that receive citations.
Proposed Amendments
The Department recommends amending the existing ordinance to require that each school district:
• Designate a district official to serve as a point of contact for the program
• Include contact information for the district official on citations
• Submit quarterly reports to the San Antonio Police Department to include location of all violations
• Utilize program revenue to fund public safety projects
The Public Safety Council Committee approved these recommendations. In addition, the participating school districts are working in collaboration to create a uniform appeals process and have indicated that program information will be posted prominently on district websites to strengthen communication and customer service.
Program Status
NEISD, the largest participating school district, confirmed that it has terminated its contract with its vendor and has suspended its citation program for the 2018-2019 school year. The remaining school districts plan to continue their respective programs.
The San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) implemented a bus camera program this school year which differs significantly from the agreements negotiated by the other participating school districts. Several districts have expressed interest in developing an interlocal agreement to piggy-back on the contract executed between SAISD and its vendor. Discussions among the districts are ongoing and will require approval from each respective district’s school board.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact. The City receives no revenue from the program.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the proposed amendments to Chapter 19 Article XVIII which are designed to strengthen the citation and appeals process, enhance customer service and promote student safety.