In-car video systems have become a cornerstone of modern law enforcement and are expected by all elements in the criminal justice system. Video evidence is essential to effective prosecution, officer safety, officer accountability and mitigating liability exposure. I-COP, the Billings Police Department's (BPD) present video system supplier, is bankrupt and out of business. The BPD needs to replace the aging system but because of the bankruptcy, must seek a new supplier for the equipment.

A committee was formed that included members from the IT Division, BPD Administration, first line patrol officers, Finance Department and Fleet Services to test and research replacement possibilities. Comparable equipment was evaluated and field tested. Brands tested were Panasonic Arbitrator, Pro-Vision, and Watchguard 4 RE Video Systems. Areas identified for improvement include picture quality, audio quality, and quick wireless download; this chosen system will address all of these issues.

The committee concluded that 71 in-car cameras and 9 body worn cameras would best meet the needs of the BPD. In order to facilitate this purchase and not impact the City's General Fund, the BPD plans to use Drug Forfeiture Funds for the camera purchases. The Police Department currently has $ 345,282 in the Drug Forfeiture account. The department would purchase outright half of the camera system and the remaining would be financed with US Bank. BPD staff has conducted a study of Drug Forfeiture income going back to 2004. The average yearly income from 2004 to 2011 is $149,503.80 and is expecting significant windfall in Drug Forfeiture in the coming months. Through historical data the $68,189.98 annual payment for four years would be easily afforded while keeping an ample reserve. If the Police Department ran short of Drug Forfeiture Funds to repay the loan, it would absorb the costs through O&M and operations.

The I-COP camera system currently in use by the BPD was purchased by way of a US Congress ear mark appropriations and was outside of the regular budget process. Drug forfeiture policy allows law enforcement agencies to utilize forfeiture funds to enhance operations and equipment, but forfeiture funds may not supplant any normally budgeted items. The purchase of the replacement camera system meets the requirements mandated in drug forfeiture policy because the original purchase and replacements were not part of the budget process. Since drug forfeiture funds cannot be used to replace the system again, the long term replacement will be assigned to the Technology Replacement Plan.

Staff did not solicit bids because local government agencies are allowed to purchase products under existing state contracts.

The City Council may:
• Approve the purchase of 71 in-car cameras and 9 body worn cameras and financing with US Bank for $272,759.92 for four years, or
• Not approve the purchase of 71 in-car cameras and 9 body worn cameras and financing with US Bank for $272,759.92 for four years resulting in the BPD working with obsolete equipment without vendor support. Using the existing equipment may expose the City to additional liability.

The Department proposes purchasing 36 in-car cameras and 9 body cameras totaling $240,840 from drug forfeiture funds. The balance of the equipment would be financed for 4 years with annual payments of $68,189.98 paid to US Bank using drug forfeiture funds.

Staff recommends that City Council approve the purchase of 36 in-car cameras and 9 body worn cameras for $240,840 and 35 in-car cameras through financing with US Bank for $272,759.92 to include the wireless upload and secure storage system. Drug forfeiture funds will be used, thus there is no impact to the General Fund or Public Safety Fund.