Staff recommends that City Council approve the purchase of WatchGuard Body Cameras, Servers and Related Equipment in the amount of $195,153.

On December 7, 2020, the City Council approved the Billings Police Department to pursue the purchase of 95 WatchGuard V300 body cameras, 20 spare batteries,5 docking stations and related support equipment. The cameras and support equipment are being purchased under the state cooperative purchasing contract.  Key features of the V300 are an estimated 12-hour battery life with detachable battery that can easily be changed in the field. The V300 is also compatible with the current in-car camera system. The audio system from the body camera and in-car system sync allowing for the officer to wear the body camera and not an additional external microphone for the in-car system. The body camera automatically uploads wirelessly to the server system. The program being implemented encompasses the entire patrol division and some specialized positions. The implementation is scheduled to take place over the course of several days with anticipation of a full rollout on or around June 1, 2021.

City Council may:

• Approve the purchase of WatchGuard Body Cameras, Servers and Related Equipment in the amount of $195,153; or,
• Not Approve the purchase of WatchGuard Body Cameras, Servers and Related Equipment in the amount of $195,153 and provide further direction to staff.  

Funding for purchase of body cameras will come from multiple sources.  $105,000 was received in donations, $50,000 will come from funds approved by City Council at the December 7, 2020 meeting and budgetary savings will cover the remaining costs.