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EXPANSION OF POLICE LICENSE PLATE RECOGNITION PROGRAM
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council approve a motion:
1. Approving findings pursuant to Stockton Municipal Code section 3.68.070 in support of an exception to the competitive bidding process; and
2. Authorizing the purchase of four (4) Automated License Plate Reader systems from LEHR; and
3. Authorizing the City Manager to take necessary and appropriate actions to carry out the purpose and intent of this motion.
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Summary
The Stockton Police Department (SPD) uses Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) systems to enhance investigative abilities and reduce crime by analyzing the license plate information and alerting the agency when a match is identified. Currently, there are four patrol cars outfitted with ALPR assigned to proactive assignments such as through the Community Response Team (CRT). As part of the Council’s discretionary funding allocation for FY 2018-19, additional budget funding was identified to expand the ALPR system by an additional four cars. Staff is requesting Council adopt findings to support an exception to the competitive bidding process and authorize the purchase of four additional ALPR systems from LEHR in the amount of $86,355.25 (Attachment A - LEHR ALPR Quote).
DISCUSSION
Background
Since 2012, the SPD has worked to implement the Marshall Plan through a combination of the rebuilding of staffing levels and procurement of technology tools that enhance our operational and investigative abilities. Most recently, the 2017-2019 Strategic Plan identified two pillars that support the SPD’s operations: Smarter Policing and Principled Policing. The basic premise of Smarter Policing is to identify technology such as body cameras and crime analytics software which offer a wide breadth of assistance to SPD staff without a significant additional staffing burden. ALPR’s access to the National Vehicle Location Service (NVLS) and to data provided by national private data entities, such as repossession and towing companies, leverage data across multiple sources to assist in criminal investigations. This data is not only used in identifying stolen vehicles, but also in locating and tracking vehicles involved in a crime.
Present Situation
The SPD currently deploys four patrol vehicles affixed with mobile ALPR systems. It also has a current annual subscription to the NVLS database which houses all captured SPD data as well as allows SPD officers to use as an investigative tool. In August 2018, Council allocated $85,000 in discretionary funds to expand the current ALPR program. There are two ways this expansion can occur: purchase fixed cameras which would scan vehicles at specific locations, or purchase additional mobile camera systems which are currently in use. Adding fixed ALPR systems allows almost all vehicles traveling at a specific intersection or location to be scanned and stored for retrieval from the system; however, the amount of funding would only provide coverage for two (2) intersections or areas and limit the effectiveness of the expansion. The same amount of funding would add four additional patrol car systems, which could be assigned to both proactive and routine patrol assignments, depending on the SPD’s operational needs.
Staff recommends the funds be used to purchase four additional mobile patrol car systems. The current SPD operating budget covers the annual cost of access to the NVLS and adding more ALPR systems will not impact the ongoing annual costs of the program.
Findings
Stockton Municipal Code section 3.68.070 provides an exception to the competitive bidding process in cases where the City Council has approved findings that support and justify the exception. The findings in support of purchasing ALPR equipment and software through LEHR are as follows:
1. LEHR is the sole distributor and installer of Vigilant Solutions, LLC software.
2. LEHR is the sole distributor of the Vigilant Solutions Raptor ALPR system, which best fits the needs of the Stockton Police Department’s ALPR program.
3. LEHR, through Vigilant Solutions, LLC, is the only provider of access to the commercial data provided through the National Vehicle Location Service.
4. Vigilant Solutions, LLC, through LEHR, is currently the only vendor that can provide Automated License Plate Readers without the use of an additional computer in the vehicle.
5. LEHR is currently being used by SPD for the ALPR system, and additional equipment would only work with their system.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
The City Council allocated $85,000 for the expansion of the Police License Plate Recognition Program as part of its discretionary funds. That allocation was added to the Police Department’s Fiscal Year 2018-19 Special Investigations Division account number 010-2432-603. Including sales tax, the total cost for four additional patrol car systems is $86,355.25. The difference of $1,355.25 will be absorbed in the existing budget allocation for the Special Investigations Division.
Attachment A - LEHR Advanced License Plate Reader Quote