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File Number: 16-528 <br />Given this environment, a digital body camera program is essential in effectively balancing <br />community interest and officer safety. The body worn camera program was initially <br />implemented two years ago, and a contract clause allows for an upgrade to current <br />technology. <br />Analysis <br />On May 5th, 2014, Council approved Resolution 2014-040, the original TASER Axon contract <br />not to exceed $441,306.82 over a five (5) year period for eighty (80) body worn digital video <br />cameras and digital management system. The TASER contract broke down as $127,797.08 <br />in the first year and $78,377.44 in each subsequent year. Staff requests an amendment to <br />add $30,094.96 to the original amount, for a new contract total not to exceed $471,401.78. <br />The additional cameras will add $11,939.01 to the 2016 contract total and $9,060.00 each <br />subsequent year. The total cost per unit is approximately $1,200, including all accessory <br />equipment, licensing, and applicable taxes. <br />The department currently deploys 80 TASER Axon body cameras for field services, including <br />patrol and investigations work. The department has some staff in certain positions who are <br />currently sharing devices. The supply of functional body camera devices is currently <br />insufficient to meet the demand. This contract amendment will outfit two (2) criminal <br />investigators, one (1) Professional Standards Sergeant, and three (3) Patrol Lieutenants with <br />an assigned device. The remaining four (4) devices will be kept in reserve to serve as <br />back-up cameras during any equipment repairs. This would bring the total number of body <br />cameras to 90 with four (4) in reserve. (Taser International also loaned the City 2 additional <br />body cameras as back-ups, and must be returned when required.) <br />Additionally, the cameras have been deployed for two years and the battery life in each unit <br />has diminished, as is common with any rechargeable battery-powered technology. TASER <br />covers camera maintenance and defects under the warranty; however, the loss of battery <br />power over time is not covered under the warranty. Any devices that cannot hold a charge for <br />one full shift is less than optimal. <br />The TASER contract provides an opportunity to trade in all existing equipment for new, <br />updated equipment at no cost. The latest TASER Axon device is a newer version of the <br />current camera in use, with improved video capture capabilities and battery life. It is not cost <br />effective to replace the batteries of the existing units given the contract options stated above. <br />Also, the existing contract allows the City to add devices to the existing contract with no <br />penalty or requirement to purchase additional storage space for digital footage. The <br />cloud-based storage with Evidence.com shares the bulk of the contract cost for this program, <br />not the individual devices. The additional units would be deployed immediately upon upgrade, <br />which is set to occur in December, 2016. Therefore, the department requests approval for a <br />sole source procurement justification for the additional cameras from TASER. <br />Legal Analysis <br />The City Attorney previously reviewed and approved as to form the Department Policy for Use <br />of Body Worn Cameras, the Purchasing Contract, and the Professional Services Agreement <br />Page 2 City of San Leandro Printed on 11/16/2016