Authorize the use of Public Safety Contingency funds in the amount of $59,000 to purchase two License Plate Reader Camera Systems, adopt a budget resolution increasing the District Attorney Criminal Prosecution budget by $59,000 and approve amending the 2017-2018 authorized equipment list. (General Fund impact: $59,000) (4/5 vote required) (Reisig)

1. Authorize the use of Public Safety Contingency funds, in the amount of $59,000, to purchase two License Plate Reader Camera systems;
    
2. Adopt budget resolution increasing the District Attorney Criminal Prosecution budget by $59,000; and
    
3. Approve amending the 2017-2018 authorized equipment list

Operational Excellence
Thriving Residents
Safe Communities

The Yolo County District Attorney's Office and Yolo County Sheriff's Office are requesting $59,000 in Public Safety Contingency funds to purchase two license plate reader pods; which will be part of a larger already purchased pod system and will ultimately create a "net" around the South-East portion of Yolo County including Clarksburg.

The purchasing of this license plate reader is a partnership between the Yolo County Sheriff and Yolo County District Attorney.  The Yolo County Sheriff has already purchased three other license plate reading pods which will be used in conjunction with the two pods being requested.

The value that license plate readers provide to investigations is invaluable.  Some of the main cases which license plate readers can be used for are:

• Human Trafficking
• Arson
• Murder
• Gang Activities
• Sex Offender Prosecution
• Trash Dumping
• Stolen Vehicles

However, one of the largest benefits of license plate readers is that in the event of a kidnappings or Amber Alert, if the vehicle that is wanted passes by a license plate reader, law enforcement is notified immediately.  In addition, if a stolen vehicle passes by a license plate reader, law enforcement is notified. 

If these two license plate reading pods are approved, they will create a Yolo County first - an entire community will have a technology "net" assisting public safety.  This kind of technology is a force multiplier which creates efficiencies for Sheriff Deputies, Investigators, and Deputy District Attorneys. 

Yolo County Sheriff's Department
County Counsel has reviewed the budget resolution and approved to form.
Department of Finance has reviewed the budget resolution and approved.

N/A