HomeMy WebLinkAboutPurchase - 880SX Digital Camera System - Palm Desert Police DepartmentCITY OF PALM DESERT
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: APPROVAL OF A REQUEST BY THE PALM DESERT POLICE
DEPARTMENT TO PURCHASE ONE FLASHCAM-880SX
DIGITAL CAMERA SYSTEM IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,650 (PLUS
TAX AND SHIPPING)
SUBMITTED BY: Stephen Y. Aryan, Risk Manager
DATE: September 13, 2012
CONTENTS: FlashCAM-8800SX Information & Sample Photos
Recommendation
By minute motion, approve the purchase of one (1) new FlashCAM-8800SX Digital
Camera System, from QStar Technologies, in the amount of $6,650 (plus tax and
shipping).
Commission Recommendation
The Palm Desert Public Safety Commission is scheduled to review this item on
September 12, 2012, after this report was prepared. Staff can provide an oral update on
the Commission's recommendation upon request.
Background
Over the past five years, the Palm Desert Police Department dealt with over two
hundred incidents involving graffiti. Coupled with vandalism to city owned property, the
City is responsible for paying a significant cost in responding to these crimes. The
Police Department has initiated proactive patrols, conducted surveillance, and used
motion detection cameras in deterring and apprehending those responsible for such
crimes. Although each of the mentioned tactics provided deterrence, unless the subject
is "caught in the act," identification and prosecution is extremely difficult.
Police staff recently began researching camera systems to assist them with
identification, apprehension and prosecution of offenders committing the
aforementioned crimes. One cost effective camera system was identified that is both
user friendly and provides high quality photographs. This camera is the FlashCAM-
880SX Digital System manufactured by QStar Technologies. The FlashCAM-880SX
was designed to prevent or deter graffiti, vandalism, illegal trash dumping, and metal
theft. In some cities, it has been used to deter prostitution and drug dealing. This system
is proven effective with the identification of subjects committing these crimes..
Staff Report: FlashCAM-8800SX Digital Camera System
September 13, 2012
Page 2 of 2
The camera senses motion up to one hundred feet away and starts taking high
resolution digital photographs. The camera is operable in darkness and can also
transmit a loud user recorded voice message if so desired. Photos are clear enough to
identify subjects and license plate numbers more than two hundred and fifty feet away,
even in total darkness.
Each system comes with a solar powered camera battery pack and an AC wall adapter
is included as a backup. A padlock is supplied to secure the camera, whose casing is
also bullet -resistant. This system contains a wireless device server allowing the user to
download pictures without climbing poles or ladders, reducing the risk of injury.
The system is mounted with a heavy duty bracket that can be placed on multiple
surface types (e.g. wood, cement, etc). The use of brackets allows the unit to be
relocated depending on need and provides a cost effective solution. Based on the
success of the initial single camera purchase, staff may return at a future date with
recommendations to purchase additional camera systems.
Fiscal Analysis
Staff recommends the purchase of one new FlashCAM-8800SX Digital Camera System
in the estimated amount of $6,650 (plus tax and shipping). The Police Department
indicated that no City funds are necessary for this purchase, as they received
authorization to utilize gang related forfeiture funds.
Submitted By:
CITY COUNC�,7�� N
APPROVED DENIED
RECEIVED OTHER
Stephen Y/Aryan, Risk JGlanager
Reviewed By: AYES: /, tlUf ! /6-0 F-( )
NOES:
ABSENT: 1
ABSTAIN:
lam' VERIFIED BY:
Paul S. Gibson, Director of Finance/City Treas rer File with City rk's Office
Approval:
67�
Ifn John M. Wohlmuth, City Manager
FlashCAM-880SX Digital System
with Wireless Download Specifications
System is SOLAR CHARGED, PORTABLE, SIMPLE TO INSTALL
Wireless download of pictures onto a laptop computer
Customer Hardware Requirement for Wireless Download: A laptop computer with 802.11b wire-
less capability and either Microsoft Windows 2000, XP, Vista or Windows 7 operating system
Operating range: Up to 100 feet
Sensing device: Pyroelectric motion detector
Camera: 12-14 megapixels Digital Camera resolution (depending on availability)
Camera Memory: 2.0 Gigabyte Secure Digital Memory Card.
Photographs per event: User selectable 1, 2, 3 or 4
Optical Zoom: Four selectable discrete ranges
Keyfob Control Modes:
ARM - stays armed until changed
SENSOR - Arms at dusk; disarms at dawn
DISARM - stays disarmed until changed
DOWNLOAD - Wireless download of picture files
TEST - perform individual tests (DAYLIGHT/MOTION/FULL/MANUAL/AUTOMATIC)
Delayed Arm: 0 - 8 hours from dusk (user selectable)
Delayed Take: Can be set for 20 seconds or 60 seconds
Voice output: Supports up to 14 second voice message
Voice record: Pushbutton controls support recording and playback of voice messages
Remote control: Keyfob control to change modes, allow status reporting and reset photo counter
Remote control range: 75 feet
System Status reporting: Via an audible prompts
Setup Modes: Test daylight sensor; motion sensor field -of -view test, and system test,
camera date set, License Mode test.
License mode: Sets camera lens to allow photographing reflective surfaces. This allows the camera
to capture a license plate number more than 250ft away in TOTAL DARKNESS
System Power: Solar Panel (with 30 Ampere Hour rechargeable battery)
Case: 16 gauge steel with bullet resistant Lexan covering the camera lens
Mounting: Heavy-duty (removal resistant) wall bracket. C-Clamp parapet mounting optional
Q-Star Technology 2730 Monterey Street, Suite # 106 Torrance, CA 90503 Tel: 310.294.8194 Fax: 310.781.1025
Email: gstar@gstartech.com www.qstartech.com FCSX_WDS/0612
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
FlashCAM-880SX Digital System
WHAT ARE PEOPLE USING THE SYSTEM FOR
The FlashCAM-880SX was designed to deter anti -social behavior of all kinds such as graffiti, vandalism,
illegal trash dumping and copper theft. In some situations, the system is used to deter prostitution and
drug dealing.
WHAT KIND OF POWER DOES IT TAKE
The FlashCAM-880SX's battery pack is powered by a Solar Panel. An AC wall adapter battery charger is
included with the system as a backup.
HOW DOES IT WORK
The FlashCAM-880SX senses motion up to 100 feet away. When motion is detected the system starts
taking high resolution digital photographs. A bright flash goes off (if it is dark), and a loud voice message
warns the intruder to "leave the area now" and that his photograph is being taken. Photos are 14 mega -
pixels clear enough to identify vandals and capture a license plate number more than 250ft away in TOTAL
DARKNESS.
WHAT DOES THE MESSAGE SAY
Whatever you want. Your message can be up to 14 seconds long.
HOW DO YOU FIND OUT IF PICTURES HAVE BEEN TAKEN
Each system comes with a Keyfob controller. Point the Keyfob at the system and press a button. The
FlashCAM-880SX will report the number of pictures taken and status of the battery pack by issuing a se-
ries of beeps.
HOW DOES THE WIRELESS DOWNLOAD WORK TO RETRIEVE THE PICTURES
The FlashCAM-880SX contains a wireless device server. A Windows XP/Vista/7 based laptop computer can
access the device server via 802.11 protocol. Software included with the FlashCAM-880SX can then access
the camera memory card. This memory card will appear on the laptop as another disk drive. The range of
the wireless connection is about 75 feet.
Customer Hardware Requirement:
A laptop computer with 802.11b wireless capability and either Microsoft Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7
operating system.
HOW DO USERS MOUNT THE SYSTEM
The system comes with a Wall Mount. This is a heavy-duty bracket that can be mounted to utility poles
or wooden studs using lag bolts, or cement walls using anchor bolts. A padlock is supplied to secure the
FlashCAM and to prevent access to the bolts.
HOW DO YOU KEEP IT FROM BEING STOLEN or BROKEN
The system is ruggedized. The case is 16-gauge steel and the covering over the camera lens and flash is
3/8 inch bullet -resistant Lexan. We recommend installing the system 18 to 20 feet high using a padlock
for extra security (padlock included with the system).
WHAT IS THE BEST STRATEGY TO USE FlashCAM?
Install FlashCAM systems at trouble spots. Set up the system to take 2-3 photos per event. The high -
resolution photos can be used to identify taggers and pursue prosecution. Once it deters the problem at
each location, utilize the Quick Move Adapters and move the system to the next trouble spot. Keep rotat-
ing the FlashCAM units to get the most value for your investment. Use FlashCAM decoy (dummy) units as
placeholders to create the impression that the area continues to be under surveillance. You won't be alone
in this process because our representatives will evaluate your trouble areas and help you with tactics to get
better results from your purchase.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE SYSTEM STOPS WORKING
The system comes with a 1-year warranty. After the warranty period Q-Star Technology will repair the unit
for the cost of time and materials.
For questions or additional information, please call us at (310) 294-8194
FCSX_FAQ/0612
QmS%^rvR
TECHNOLOGY
2012 PRICE LIST
FlashCAM-880SX
Digital Vandalism Deterrent System
With Wireless Download of Picture Files
Each System Includes:
(1) Wall mounting bracket hardware
(1) Quick Move Adapter
(1) 2.0 GB Secure Digital Memory Card
(1) Battery Charger
(1) RF Keyfob controller
(1) CD-ROM, SX Link software to control downloading picture files from the system
(LOT) 1 set of mounting tools and User's Manual PER ORDER
Customer Hardware Reauirement.
Effective June25, 2012
$5, 955
A laptop computer with 802.11b wireless capability and Microsoft XP, Vista or Windows 7 Operating System
FlashCAM-770SX $4,955
Digital Vandalism Deterrent System
Similar to the FlashCAM-880SX without the wireless download feature
Each System Includes:
(1) Wall mounting bracket hardware
(1) Quick Move Adapter
(1) 2.0 GB Secure Digital Memory Card
(1) Battery Charger
(1) RF Keyfob controller
(1) CD-ROM, SX Link software to control downloading picture files from the system
(LOT) 1 set of mounting tools and User's Manual PER ORDER
TRADE-IN
FlashCAM-880K / -770K / -530
Customers can "trade-in" their current FlashCAMs and replace it with a FlashCAM-880SX or FlashCAM-
770SX system. The FlashCAM-880SX system supports wireless download to customer supplied laptop
computer. (See FlashCAM-880SX for product description and Customer Hardware Requirements)
Q-Star Technology, LLC. 2730 Monterey Street, Suite ##106 Torrance, CA 90503 T: 310.294.8194 F: 310.781.1025
astar@Qstartech.com www.ustartech.com
FCSX_PL/0612_r1
QNSTAR
TECHNOLOGY
2012 PRtCE LIST
Effective June25, 2012
FlashCAM-DB2 $299
Decoy Camera System
The outside appearance of this unit is similar to the FlashCAM but does not include
any functioning internal components. Price includes a wall mounting bracket.
FlashCAM-880SX Starter Pack A $6,650
Digital Vandalism Deterrent System RSP Package
With Wireless Download of Picture Files
(1) FlashCAM-880SX
(1) Wall mounting bracket hardware
(1) Quick Move Adapter
(1) 2.0 GB Secure Digital Memory Card
(1) Battery Charger
(1) RF Keyfob controller
(1) CD-ROM, SX Link software to control downloading picture files from the system
(LOT) 1 set of mounting tools and User's Manual PER ORDER
(1) FlashCAM-DB2 Decoy
(1) RSP-1 Remote Solar Panel
(6) Quick Move Adaptors (total of 7 in starter pack A)
FlashCAM-880SX Starter Pack B $6,650
Digital Vandalism Deterrent System DB-2 Package
With Wireless Download of Picture Files
(1) FlashCAM-880SX
(1) Wall mounting bracket hardware
(1) Quick Move Adapter
(1) 2.0 GB Secure Digital Memory Card
(1) Battery Charger
(1) RF Keyfob controller
(1) CD-ROM, SX Link software to control downloading picture files from the system
(LOT) 1 set of mounting tools and User's Manual PER ORDER
(2) FlashCAM-DB2 Decoy
(6) Quick Move Adaptors (total of 7 in starter pack B)
Q-Star Technology, LLC. 2730 Monterey Street, Suite #106 Torrance, CA 90503 T: 310.294,8194 F: 310.781.102S
gstar@gstartech.com www.gstartech.com
FCSX_PL/0612_rl
QmS%^rvR
TECHNOLOGY
2012 PRICE LIST
Effective June25, 2012
OPTIONAL ITEMS:
RSP-1 Remote Solar Panel for additional charging capabilities (1 panel)
$299
RSP-2 Remote Solar Panel for additional charging capabilities (2 panel)
$339
RSP-4 Remote Solar Panel for additional charging capabilities (4 panel)
$399
Netbook laptop configured for wireless download of pictures
$485
Pelican Case — heavy duty FlashCAM carrying case
$385
C-Clamp Mounting Bracket — for mounting system on building parapet
$135
Wall Mounting Bracket
$95
Quick Move Adapter (for use with the Wall Mount Bracket)
$39
Additional Battery Pack for FlashCAM-880M
$135
Additional Battery for FlashCAM-880K/-770K
$30
Additional Battery for FlashCAM-880SX/-770SX
$110
Additional IR Keyfob Controller (FlashCAM-880K / -770K)
$49
Additional RF Keyfob Controller (FlashCAM-880SX /-770SX)
$49
Q-Star Technology, I.I.C. 2730 Monterey Street, Suite #106 Torrance, CA 90503 T: 310.294.8194 F: 310.781,1025
astar@astartech.com www.astartech.com
FCSX_PL/0612_ri