REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
July 31, 2014
FROM: JERRY P. DYER, Chief of Police
Police Department
BY: KEITH L. FOSTER, Deputy Chief of Police
Police Department
SUBJECT
Title
1. RESOLUTION - Authorizing the Chief of Police or designee to specify TASER International, Inc., without substitution, for the purchase of 100 TASER Axon Flex Body-worn video cameras under the sole source competitive bidding exception
2. Award a purchase contract in the amount of $159,732.13 to TASER International, Inc., for the purchase and service of body video cameras to be worn by police officers
Body
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that Council authorize the Chief of Police or designee to specify TASER International, Inc., (TASER) without substitution, for the purchase of 100 TASER Axon Flex body-worn video cameras under the sole source competitive bidding exception without an "or equal" provision in the specifications. It is also recommended that a purchase and service contract of $159,732.13 be awarded to TASER for the purchase and maintenance of the 100 TASER Axon Flex body-worn cameras and related data storage.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Across the country many police encounters are often recorded by citizens with smart phones or other recording devices. On some occasions, those images are distorted or altered. The use and availability of body-worn cameras will provide the "point of view" of an officer and could reduce or minimize organizational litigation.
The Fresno Police Department's Homeless Taskforce, which is comprised of one sergeant, four police officers, two code enforcement specialists and two sanitation staff members currently wear TASER Axon Flex body-worn cameras. The body-worn cameras have proven to be valuable tools to the Homeless Taskforce Team and members of the community.
BACKGROUND
Video technology is being utilized by law enforcement agencies at an increasing pace. The first large scale introduction o...
Click here for full text