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Home My WebLink AboutPD Police Dept - Utilize Asset Forfeiture Funds-4 Flash CAM CITY OF PALM DESERT _..- � OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER STAFF REPORT REQUEST: APPROVAL OF A REQUEST BY THE PALM DESERT POLICE DEPARTMENT TO UTILIZE ASSET FORFEITURE FUNDS, FOR THE PURCHASE OF FOUR Q-STAR TECHNOLOGY FLASHCAM-880SX PORTABLE VANDALISM DETERRENT SYSTEMS IN THE AMOUNT OF $30,478.40. SUBMITTED BY: Stephen Y. Aryan, Risk Manager DATE: August 28, 2014 CONTENTS: FlashCAM-8800SX Invoice & Sole Source Correspondence Recommendation By minute motion, approve the purchase of four (4) Q-Star Technology FlashCAM- 880SX Portable Vandalism Deterrent Systems from Q-Star Technology, utilizing asset forFeiture funds in the amount of$30,478.40. Commission Recommendation The Palm Desert Public Safety Commission is not meeting in August, but staff will provide an update to them on the purchase of these items, pending Council approval. Backqround Over the past several years, the Palm Desert Police Department responded to several hundred incidents involving graffiti and vandalism. The City endured significant costs in response and mitigation to these crimes, including increased proactive patrols, graffiti removal, and undercover surveillance operations. The City purchased a Q-Star Technology FLASHCAM-880SX camera in 2012, with asset forfeiture funds. The FlashCAM-880SX is designed to prevent or deter graffiti, vandalism, illegal trash dumping, and metal theft and is proven effective in the identification of subjects. This camera system is periodically placed in locations most likely to deter, and possibly identify, those responsible for such crimes. 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 desired. Photos are clear enough to identify subjects and license plate numbers more than 250 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 staff to download pictures without climbing poles or ladders, reducing the risk of injury. Staff Report: FlashCAM-880SX Portable Vandalism Deterrent Systems August 28, 2014 Page 2 of 2 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. Please note that the camera does take numerous photos because it is motion activated. However, even with the staff time necessary to review the multitude of photographs, the Police Department still feels the system is an effective deterrent and may aid in identifying suspects. Based on this information, staff recommends purchasing four (4) additional FlashCAM-880SX units, in order to expand their application to numerous locations within the City. Fiscal Analvsis Staff recommends the purchase of four new FlashCAM-880SX Portable Vandalism Deterrent Systems in the amount of $30,478.40. (includes tax and shipping). No City funds are necessary for this purchase, as the cost for these items will be reimbursed from law enforcement asset forFeiture funds. Submitted By: i Stephe Y. A an, Risk anager Reviewed By: ul S. ' on, Director of Finance/City Treasurer Approval: n M. Wohlmuth, ity Manager CITY COUNCILA�li'ION APPROVED DF.NtED RCC�IVED OTHER MEI;TINC DATE "Zg"�`� AYES:�,1r15�1. �cr�K.SQ't 4tP,1�,�.�� \�v�.Y Nors: N�►�o AI3SENT: �01� Al3STA1N:_ �� V(?R!FI F:D 13Y:-- �`DK� Y��1 Ori�;�n<►l on I+ilc with City Clc�•k's Office t�-�'� FL�SH TECHNOIOGY 2730 Monterey Street, Suite#106 Portable Crime Deterrence Torrance, CA 90503 T: 310.294.8194 F: 310.781.1025 SOLUTION OVERVIEW AND PRICE QUOTE DATE QUOTE# Pre ared For: 8/19/2014 131514 R1 Lieutenant William Sullivan — Riverside Sheriffls Dept./Palm Desert Police Dept. 73705 Gerald Ford Drive Palm Desert,CA 92211 P: (760) 836-1600 E: wsullivan riversidesheriff.or Addressing Graffiti and other Vandalism Issues including Garden Theft Riverside Sheriff s Department/ Palm Desert Police Department I. OBJECTIVE II. SCOPE OF SOLUTION III. VENDOR INFORMATION IV. FLASHCAM QUOTE PROPOSAL August 19, 2014 This quote will expire in 30 days unless a written request indicating the intent to purchase is Yeceived. This information is provided solely for the intended recipient and may not be used to solicit other vendors. Q''�,r�`a� TECHNOIOGY 2730 Monterey Street, Suite#106 Torrance, CA 90503 T: 310.294.8194 F: 310.781.1025 www.qstartech.com �MADE IN USA Pa�e 1 of 9 c�- '` � FL�SH TECHNOI.OGY 2730 Monterey Street, Suite#106 Portable Crime Deterrence Torrance, CA 90503 T: 310.294.8194 F: 310.781.1025 SOLUTION OVERVIEW AND PRICE QUOTE I. OBJECTIVE: Addressing Graffiti and other Vandalism Issues including Garden Theft in Palm Desert, CA. Graffiti and other vandalism issues are chronic issues nationwide costing cities millions of dollars annually. Specifically, graffiti and other vandalism issues in Palm Desert are known issues creating disturbances in the area, and it may be only a matter of time before an incident occurs that will cost the Palm Desert Police Department significant time and materials to mitigate not to mention the costly distractions to manpower and mission. Besides wasting precious resources and funding, it also raises concerns about overall public safety, declining property value and the well-being of the community. II. SCOPE OF SOLUTION: Addressing Crime at the Source. A key element in proactively fighting nuisance crimes is to address the issue directly at the source- the criminals themselves. It is, of course important to quickly reverse the damages resulting from the crime,but if the culprit has not been addressed directly, they most likely will strike again. This is a common challenge that many cities encounter, investing thousands of dollars into the resources and materials to reverse the damages, yet not stopping the criminal or, if warranted, identifying and prosecuting them. Ultimately the issue will persist unless the culprit is truly deterred. The FlashCAM Is a Proactive Solution to Stop Graffiti and other Vandalism Issues For over 18 years, Q-Star Technology has been helping cities across the country address issues of nuisance crimes with the F1ashCAM portable crime deterrent systems. The F1ashCAM is a crime fighting tool designed specifically to protect cities from nuisance crimes such as graffiti, vandalism, illegal dumping, metal/equipment theft and other unwanted activities. These types of crimes destroy property, increase liability risks and deplete precious resources and budgets. The longer these issues are not addressed, the bigger the problem becomes. High Resolution Imaging. Since the F1ashCAM is a deterrent system rather than surveillance, the security efforts are proactive instead of reactive to the crime. The unique features (ie: motion-triggered strobe flash and customizable voice warning) stop the criminals before they can strike. The system also captures high resolution (12+ megapixel) images of the activity, suspects and license plates, even in complete darkness (approx. 250 ft.). The clarity of the captured images allows law enforcement to identify and prosecute these criminals with this key evidence. No Infrastructure Requirements — No Expensive Installation Crews. The FlashCAM is completely self-contained. There is no hard wiring required with the solar-charged battery. This simplifies installations and system movement. Many F1ashCAM users partner with other departments within their city to rotate their systems to various locations such as: parks, schools, power substations, recycling facilities, bridges/highways, water reservoirs, historical monuments etc. The portability and ease of installation of the F1ashCAM, as well as the versatility on a range of applications, allow cities to develop a comprehensive program to combat nuisance crimes within their community in even the most remote locations. � MADE IN USA Pa�e 2 of 9 t�-��'� FL/�SH TECHNO�OGY 2730 Monterey Street, Suite#106 Portable Crime Deterrence Torrance, CA 90503 T: 310294.8194 F: 310.781.1025 SOLUTION OVERVIEW AND PRICE QUOTE F1ashCAM Solution to Stop Graffiti and other Vandalism Issues in Palm Desert, CA. For immediate issues in Palm Desert, CA (4) F1ashCAM 880SX will enable the Palm Desert Police Department to start a small scale program to begin to address issues and familiarize the department and city with the unique capabilities of this tool. This proposal includes: . Each FIashCAM-880SX system includes: o ONE (1) wall mounting bracket o ON E(1) RF keyfob controller o ONE (1)battery charger o ONE (1) 2.0 GB Secure Digital Memory Card o ONE (1) Quick Move Adapter(QMA) • Each FlashCAM-880SX includes one unlimited online orientation. • The wall mounting bracket and QMA hardware are used to mount the systems to the desired location, and the system can be quickly installed at any location where a QMA is mounted. The RF keyfob allows control of the F1ashCAM-880SX from ground level, such as: changing settings, checking battery status etc. • Each F1ashCAM-880SX system includes a one(1) year factory warranty. Optional Extended Warranty coverage is available through additional purchase. • Optional onsite consultation services are available through additional purchase. �MADE IN USA Pa�e 3 of 9 t�- � '` '� FL�SH TE CHNOLOGY 2730 Monterey Street, Suite#106 Portable Crime Deterrence Torrance,CA 90503 T: 310.294.8194 F: 310.781.1025 SOLUTION OVERVIEW AND PRICE QUOTE Community Impact The"Broken Window Theory," introduced in the early 1980's and effectively used in the 1990's to lower the crime rate to historic lows in New York City, suggests that by addressing lesser crimes such as vandalism the overall crime rate can be lowered by creating an environment that encourages community involvement and discourages criminal activity. This F1ashCAM program will thus help create awareness in residents as well as the would-be criminals that crime will not be tolerated in Palm Desert, CA. This is the real key to addressing this issue. One could call this: Behavioral Modification through Forced Accountability! The long term benefit of stopping graffiti and other vandalism issues at the source of the issue not only helps protect this specific location from any further damage but it also helps maintain a safe and healthy environment for the entire community. III. VENDOR INFORMATION: Q-Star Technology is Veteran-Owned Small Business, GSA Certified, Sole Source vendor, with all F1ashCAMs proudly manufactured in the USA (Torrance, CA) for over 18 years. The F1ashCAM is a unique one-of-a-kind product, with no other product like it in the market. GSA Contract Number: GS-07F-0355U Sole Source Letter Available Upon Request: 310.294.8194 Contact Information: Regional Representative Name: Carlita Mead Title: West Coast Regional Manager Tel: 310-404-6799 Email: CMead@qstartech.com Corporate Headquarters: Q-Star Technology 2730 Monterey Street, Suite#106 Torrance, CA 90503 T: 310.294.8194 F: 310.781.1025 www.qstartech.com �MADE IN USA Page 4 of 9 Q- '' FL�SH TECHNOLOGY 2730 Monterey Street, Suite#106 Portable Crime Deterrence Torrance, CA 90503 T: 310.294.8194 F: 310.781.1025 SOLUTION OVERVIEW AND PRICE QUOTE IV. FLASHCAM QUOTE: Terms Rep FOB Net 30 CM Torrance, CA FlashCAM-880 SX Portable FC-880 SX Vandalism Deterrent System with 4 $ 6,995.00 $ 27,980.00 Wireless Download Shi in ggp Shipping(Non-Taxable)for 4 $ 65.00 $ 260.00 pp g FlashCAM SUBTOTAL $ 28,240.00 Sales Tax 8.00% $ 2,238.40 TOTAL: S 30,478.40 �MADE IN USA Page 5 of 9 t�- �''' � FLi�SH TECHNO�OGY 2730 Monterey Street, Suite#106 Portable Crime Deterrence Torrance, CA 90503 T: 310.294.8194 F: 310.781.1025 SOLUTION OVERVIEW AND PRICE QUOTE ADDENDUM INFORMATION: I. F1ashCAM-880SX Digital System with Wireless Download Specifications II. Customer References III. Sole Source Letter � MADE IN USA Pa�e 6 of 9 t�-�� F�/�SH TE CHNO�OGY 2730 Monterey Street, Suite#106 Portable Crime Deterrence Torrance, CA 90503 T: 310.294.8194 F: 310.781.1025 SOLUTION OVERVIEW AND PRICE QUOTE I. F1ashCAM-880SX Digital System with Wireless Download Specifications Wireless download of pictures onto a laptop computer Customer Hardware Rec�uirement for Wireless Download: A laptop computer with 802.1 lb wireless capability and either Microsoft Windows 2000,XP,Vista or Windows 7 operating system Operating range: Up to 100 feet Sensing device: IR Motion Sensor with Variable Trigger Options -adjustable sensor delays to reduce false triggers Camera: 12+ megapixels Digital Camera resolution(depending on availability) Bright Flash: Proprietary design. Captures night time images and acts as deterrence(Can be disabled.) Camera Memory: 2A 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-Test system features 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: 5-button keyfob to change modes,allow status reporting and reset photo counter Remote control range: 75 ft at 20 ft AGL System Status reporting: Via voice prompts and audible beep code Test Modes: Test daylight sensor; motion sensor field-of-view test and system 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 Dimensions: H: 6.81" W: 10.21" D: 11.25" WEIGHT: 20 LBS. �MADE IN USA Pa�e 7 of 9 Q- � � FL/�SH TE CHNOLOGY 2730 Monterey Street, Suite#106 Portable Crime Deterrence Torrance, CA 90503 T: 310.294.8194 F: 310.781.1025 SOLUTION OVERVIEW AND PRICE QUOTE II. Customer References "The (F1ashCAMs) have been up for over a year and not a scratch has been made on our facility... We are situated in a high risk area, but since we installed the FlashCAMs, we have not seen any damage on our facility." - Craig Callahan Bernalillo County Parks & Recreation Albuquerque, NM "We have had great success with our 6 (FlashCAMs)...We mainly use them for graffiti prevention but have caught several thefts and even a sex assault suspect... we were watching a dumpster in the area and just happened to flash at the right time to get him fleeing the scene." - Sgt. Scott Wegscheider Brighton Police Department Brighton, CO "Since we installed our six F1ashCAM systems, the illegal dumping had been reduced significantly. The F1ashCAM is a very effective tool. The units are very low maintenance... very easy to move from one location to another... a cost-effective solution." - Frank Denbowski Reading Solid Waste Reading, PA "I can tell you that they (F1ashCAMs) have been successful for us. We have seen an immediate drop off of vandalism in those areas, once the cameras have been installed. Great product!" - Roger Stromgren Brentwood Parks & Recreation Brentwood, CA "We were using 20 gallons of paint every day to cover over the graffiti. It was an expensive problem, when you factor in the labor costs. So we installed a F1ashCAM system, left it at that location for two months, and the graffiti stopped!" - Danny Mercado New York City Parks New York, NY � MADE IN USA Pa�e 8 of 9 �.�w TECHNOLOGY GrafjSti&�andalism DeterrentSystems August 19, 2014 Lieutenant William Sullivan Riverside Sheriff's Dept. /Pa1m Desert Police Dept. 73705 Gerald Ford Drive Palm Desert, CA 92211 P: (760) 836-16006 Dear Lt. William Sullivan, The F1ashCAM digital deterrent system is a specialized product used to deter vandalism such as copper wire theft, graffiti, illegal trash dumping and other anti-social behaviors. The FlashCAM systems use proprietary technology that is developed, designed, manufactured and distributed exclusively by Q-Star Technology and contain specialized parts supplied only by Q-Star Technology. The system's battery pack is powered by solar and the system is portable, ruggedized, features wireless download and uses proprietary voice/flash technology. Q-Star Technology is the only authorized provider of repairs for the F1ashCAMs. There is no other deterrent product such as the F1ashCAM and Q-Star Technology is the only source for manufacturing and distribution of the F1ashCAM. Sincerely, J f �. �'--- _� /i��_�..__._. _.._:a % ! Steve Hillsman President Q-Star Technology, LLC QStar Technology,LLC-2730 Monterey St,Suite 106,Torrance,CA 90503-Phone:(310)294-8194 Fax: (310)781-1025- www.qstartech.com