Explanation
This ordinance authorizes the Department of Public Safety to enter into contract with MobilePD for the provision of the MobilePD smartphone application.
The MobilePD smartphone application will serve as a central location where members of the Columbus community can engage with the Columbus Police Department through their Android and iOS devices. This application will allow end users to submit anonymous crime stopper tips, receive public safety alerts, view public safety maps, and have access to centralized Columbus Police information and resources. The application also allows live two-way chatting with police personnel, social media integration, push notifications, phone directory integration, and end-user to upload photos and videos
The smartphone application will provide a platform for the Columbus community to serve as the city’s eyes and ears. In other cities where MobilePD has been implemented, it has served as a force multiplier wherein adoption of this application has produced a 1,000% increase in crime tips. In addition, the smartphone application can serve as a recruiting tool for the Columbus Police Department and allow potential candidates to receive immediate notification and respond directly to police personnel.
This contract is authorized under the sole source procurement provisions of Columbus City Code, as MobilePD is the only authorized distributor of the MobilePD smartphone application.
Fiscal Impact: Funding is available within the Public Safety Initiatives subfund and the general fund.
Emergency action is requested in order to avoid any delay in entering into contract with MobilePD.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Public Safety to enter into contract with MobilePD for the provision of the MobilePD smartphone application in accordance with the sole source procurement provisions of Columbus City Code; to authorize an appropriation and expenditure within the Public Safety Initiatives subfund; to authoriz...
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