Agenda No. 13.
CITY COUNCIL MEMORANDUM
| City Council Meeting: | September 3, 2024 |
| Department: | Police Department |
| Subject: | Resolution 24-R-107 - Accepting a grant award from the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority for a License Reader Program to combat vehicle burglary and theft. (S.Williams/J.Lowery) |
BACKGROUND
License Plate Readers (LPRs) are no longer leading edge technology but the management and deployment of this technology to combat crime and increase positive outcomes through real time and actionable intelligence is paramount for 21st Century Policing. We recently transitioned to AXON Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) which are also capable of collecting LPR data. The Flock Camera system also includes a state of the art LPR data analysis system that is capable of mining and searching for a multitude of third party videos. All surveillance data obtained through the Flock Camera system is automatically purged after 30 days, unless linked to a criminal investigation.
The City of Schertz submitted a grant application in response to the Request for Application issued on May 13, 2024, to the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority - License Plate Reader Program (grant 224-25-0940200). The Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority approved the City's grant application on 8/15/2024. The grant requires a maximum cost share by the City of 20%. The grant will be used to purchase the Flock Camera system.
The City of Schertz submitted a grant application in response to the Request for Application issued on May 13, 2024, to the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority - License Plate Reader Program (grant 224-25-0940200). The Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority approved the City's grant application on 8/15/2024. The grant requires a maximum cost share by the City of 20%. The grant will be used to purchase the Flock Camera system.
GOAL
Leveraging technology in combating motor vehicle crimes and increasing our actionable intelligence in our efforts to prevent and solve such crimes and calls for service with a vehicle nexus in the City of Schertz.
COMMUNITY BENEFIT
Increased law enforcement awareness of vehicles involved in crimes traveling within the City of Schertz on a real time basis. Ultimately, with the desired outcome of reducing crime, solving cases, and improving the general safety of all who visit and/or live in the City of Schertz.
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDED ACTION
The approval of Resolution 24-R-107 should be approved to assist Schertz PD in addressing a multitude of crime and safety issues by leveraging the collection of LPR data through the Flock Camera and data system.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total grant award is $92,810, which includes a cost share by the City of $15,468 (approximately 17%) for one year. There is a second year continuance grant that we will apply for in the next FY for $71,960. The grant match is to be determined upon grant announcement, a maximum of 20% cost share. However, the City of Schertz can withdraw from this program at anytime without any additional financial obligation.
RECOMMENDATION
Approve Resolution 24-R-107.