Title
Authorization to Purchase a Mobile Gunshot Detection System for Police Department (Ordinance S-45433)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to allow the Phoenix Police Department to purchase a mobile gunshot detection system and a covert camera system to augment crime suppression efforts in the community. The total cost of the system will not exceed $253,565. Further request authorization for the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item.
Report
Summary
The National Crime Gun Intelligence Center Grant Initiative (Award Number 2017-DG-BX-0002) allowed funding through the grant to purchase a Shotspotter Flex Gunfire Detection System. The total value awarded through the grant was $253,565 and was specifically allocated to this piece of equipment. In early 2018, Shotspotter provided a presentation to the Police Department's Executive & Command staff to demonstrate the capabilities of the system. At the conclusion of the presentation, several notable limitations were observed with the most significant limitation being the mobility of the equipment. As a result, a decision was made to not pursue the purchase of the system and to seek other technology options to better support the needs of the department.
After several months of research, a gun detection system that meets the needs of the Department was identified. This system has been successfully utilized by the Colorado Springs Police Department in connection with a serial shooter investigation.
On Dec. 11, 2018, the vendor provided a presentation to Police Department personnel on the capabilities of the system. Based upon the information presented, cost effectiveness, and the mobility of the equipment, a decision was made to pursue the purchase of this system.
The Phoenix Police Department is actively seeking solutions to reduce violent crime through the use of technology and recognizes the need for additional flexibility and dimensions to support crime suppression. The purchase of this system will provide investigators with a variety of ways to collect data and the ability to identify, locate and apprehend criminal offenders committing crimes through gun violence.
Procurement Information
This procurement will be a non-competitive process. The equipment is purchased directly from the vendor. No other vendor makes a product with the same capabilities.
Financial Impact
The total cost of the system will not exceed $253,565. Funds are available in the Police Department's budget.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
This item was heard and approved unanimously at the Public Safety and Veterans Subcommittee meeting on Feb. 13, 2019.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Milton Dohoney, Jr. and the Police Department.