Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the Public Safety Director to modify the current contract with SST, Inc. dba ShotSpotter to continue a gunfire detection, alert, and analysis program for six months. The department has deployed technology commonly known as ShotSpotter, a subscription based service that involves the installation of a gunfire sensor network in areas identified by the City. These sensors connect to a cloud-based data center infrastructure, providing a 24/7/365 gunfire monitoring service within a three (3) square-mile radius of the installed sensor infrastructure.
In addition to gunfire detection, the ShotSpotter service will notify law enforcement agencies of gunfire incidents and direct them to the precise location of illegal gunfire. The service also offers the capability to instantly notify officers of shootings in progress with real-time data delivered to dispatch officers, patrol cars, and smart phones. The alerts are intended to improve police response to incidents of gunfire, enhance officer safety, speed aid to victims, assist in investigations and the collection of evidence, and ultimately, the apprehension of dangerous offenders.
This initial contract was established as a one (1) year pilot program to assess the effectiveness of the technology, and to measure how the system may aid law enforcement and improve response to incidents of gunfire. Due to current economic circumstances resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, both parties desire to modify the City’s 2019 original contract for a period of 6 months.
Emergency: Emergency action is requested so that this gunfire detection system can continue providing the City with this crucial service.
Fiscal Impact: This legislation authorizes an expenditure of $265,333.56 from the General Fund with SST, Inc. for a gunfire location, alert, and analysis system. These funds are available within the 2020 General Fund budget. $685,000.00 was encumbered in 2018 and spent in 2019.
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