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CITY OF PALM DESERT
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: REQUEST FOR APPROVAL TO PURCHASE NINE BODY
CAMERAS FOR THE PALM DESERT POLICE DEPARTMENT'S
MOTOR ENFORCEMENT TEAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,450.60
SUBMITTED BY: Stephen Y. Aryan, Risk Manager
DATE: August 22, 2013
Recommendation
By Minute Motion, approve the purchase of nine VieVu LE2 body cameras
for the motorcycle enforcement officers assigned to the City of Palm
Desert in the amount of $8,450.60.
Commission Recommendation
The Palm Desert Public Safety Commission was not scheduled to meet in August;
however, this item was reviewed when the Commission recommended approval of the
FY 2013/14 Police Department Budget.
Background
The Palm Desert Police Department's Motorcycle Enforcement Team is comprised of
one sergeant and eight motor officers. In 2012, the Traffic Services Team handled over
6,790 incidents ranging from traffic collisions, vehicle code violations, and other calls for
service. The purchase of body cameras for this team is recommended based on the
following points;
• Evidence: A body camera will provide accurate accounts of officers' encounters
with suspected law violators. Under the best evidence rule, these cameras will
provide highly accurate visual and audio documentation of interactions between
the officer and public.
• Professionalism: A body camera will assist in maintaining the high level of
respect and professionalism expected from members of the Police Department.
Staff Report
Body Cameras for Palm Desert Police Department Motor Enforcement Team
Page 2
August 22, 2013
• Mitigation of Citizen Complaints & Internal Investigations: By California State
Law, all formal complaints against police officers must be thoroughly
investigated. Although the vast majority of these investigations reveal no
misconduct on the part of the officer, these personnel investigations can often be
extremely complicated. They also take an exorbitant amount of time and
taxpayer money to complete. Cameras are an outstanding investigative tool
when conducting these investigations, as they are an expedient method of
quickly obtaining what occurred. The enforcement of traffic laws generates an
inordinate number of citizen complaints as compared with other police activities.
The Police Department began reviewing different body cameras that can be put into
use. Each camera was used by several of the motor officers during a variety of shifts
and assignments to field test them. The cameras tested were the VieVu, Stalker Vue,
and Muvi. Each device was compact, lightweight, and affixed to the upper torso of the
officer (adjustable depending on individual height). Other required specifications of
each device include:
• A rugged outer shell
• Water resistant
• A high -impact adjustable holder
• Rechargeable batteries
• Camera capabilities (snapshots/pictures)
Fiscal Analysis
Of the units tested, the VieVu was the easiest device to use, had the best audio/video
quality, good battery life, and obtained positive feedback from the officers testing it. The
VieVu purchase comes with the camera, lifetime video management support, free
operating software, and optional replacement warranties. The Police Department
requested and received quotes from the following vendors for the VieVu LE2 body
camera per device.
COMPANY COST PER UNIT
Kustom Signal, Inc. $895.00
CDW-G $899.00
VieVu $860.00
Purchasing these devices directly from the manufacturer is the most cost-effective
measure. The total cost (including tax and shipping) for the nine units is $8,450.60.
Staff Report
Body Cameras for Palm Desert Police Department Motor Enforcement Team
Page 3
August 22, 2013
There is no additional cost for software or maintenance support. Although an exact
savings is difficult to determine, the cost of these cameras will likely be offset by the
time saved not investigating unfounded complaints. This item was approved as part of
the FY 2013/14 Police Department Budget and funds are available in Account No. 400-
4210-422-4045.
Submitted By:
/
Stephdn Y. ,kryah, isk Manager
Reviewed by:
Paul S. Gibson, Director of Finance
Approval:
n M. Wohlmuth, City Manager
CITY COUNCIL ACTION
APPROVED_-_ I/ DENIED
RECEIVED OTHER
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Original on File with City Clerk's Office