Under the provisions of the Texas Transportation Code Chapter 1006 and Texas Administrative Code Title 43, Part 3, Chapter 57, eligible entities can receive grants from the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority to provide financial support to law enforcement agencies for auto theft enforcement teams and to address motor vehicle burglaries. This grant program will help combat motor vehicle burglary and catalytic converter thefts in the jurisdiction.

The Schertz City Council approved Resolution 23-R-136 on October 15, 2024, to accept a grant from the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority (MCVPA) aimed at reducing motor vehicle burglaries and catalytic converter thefts. This grant allowed the City to obtain 17 License Plate Reader (LPR) cameras. This was a 20% match grant. We applied for an additional grant under resolution 25-R-061 on May 20, 2025, for a similar 20% match grant that council approved. This resolution is seeking grant funding to assist in paying for a renewal of the original 17 LPR cameras previously approved in 2024, an additional 24 LPR cameras and a SkyWatch Tower which includes training and delivery. 

The City recommends accepting the FY25 grant award ($72,453.00 City match and $362,263.00 MCVPA grant funding) and using all funds to purchase the Flock Camera System from Insight Public Sector, Inc., an Omnia Partners cooperative vendor, and SkyWatch Towers from cooperative vendor All Safe industries. Purchases made in accordance with Texas Local Government Code Chapter 271, Subchapter F and the City of Schertz Purchasing Policy satisfy the requirement of a local government to seek competitive bids for the purchase of goods or services.

Flock LPR's have an annual fee that we anticipate paying for with future grants. If unable to identify funding, we can cancel our contract without any future financial obligation. The SkyWatch Tower will become city property upon acquisition. 

Mitigation of motor vehicle burglaries, including catalytic converter thefts.

The Flock Safety Camera System is designed to capture license plate numbers and vehicle details, and the SKYWATCH Tower System is used for video and surveillance, which can be crucial in deterrence and solving crimes. Providing real-time data and alerts on stolen vehicles, wanted suspects, or vehicles involved in crimes can help law enforcement quickly identify and apprehend offenders. This program utilizes installed cameras at strategic locations and business/private citizen cameras who sign up and elect to participate. Flock Safety systems frequently entail collaborative partnerships with communities, wherein neighborhoods and businesses work in conjunction with law enforcement to implement and sustain surveillance cameras. This engenders a communal sense of accountability and cooperation in endeavors to prevent criminal activities. The conspicuous presence of surveillance cameras and/or towers can serve as a deterrent to illicit behavior. The awareness that their conduct is under observation and documentation can dissuade potential offenders from perpetrating crimes in areas encompassed by the system(s). The system's adaptability enables coverage of diverse locales, ranging from small residential areas to expansive urban regions. Its versatility empowers law enforcement to customize the deployment to address specific crime hotspots or areas of concern.

The capacity of the system(s) to store and categorize footage enables law enforcement officers to efficiently review and search for pertinent information. This capability significantly reduces the time dedicated to investigations, allowing officers to allocate their time and resources more effectively. The implementation of the SkyWatch Tower System and Flock Safety cameras can heighten the sense of security within a community. The presence of monitoring and deterrent systems can provide reassurance to residents and potentially lead to a decrease in crime rates. The SkyWatch Tower System and Flock Safety cameras utilize high-resolution images and advanced machine learning algorithms, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the captured data. This precision is essential for law enforcement in constructing cases and presenting evidence.

Renewal for the existing Flock Camera System (17 LPR Cameras) will be purchased from Insight Public Sector, Inc. for $60,120. The City will pay $10,020 (approximately 17% of total cost) and the remaining amount will be reimbursed by the granting agency. The additional 24 new Flock Cameras will be purchased from Insight Public Sector, Inc. for $102,000.  The City will pay $17,000 (approximately 17% of total cost) and the remaining amount will be reimbursed by the granting agency.  The SkyWatch Tower System, to include training and delivery, will be purchased from All Safe Industries, Inc. for $272,596.  The City will pay $45,433 (approximately 17% of the total cost) and the remaining amount will be reimbursed by the granting agency. 

The total amount of the City's portion ($72,453) will be paid from FY25 funds and the remaining amount ($362,263) will be paid from FY25 funds (and then reimbursed).

Approve Resolution 25-R-150.