HomeMy WebLinkAbout06 EXPEND GRANT FUNDS 03-18-02 NO.
AGENDA REPORT
6
MEETING DATE: MARCH 18, 2002
660-05
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
WILLIAM A. HUSTON, CITY MANAGER
POLICE DEPARTMENT
EXPENDITURE OF GRANT FUNDS
SUMMARY
In September 2001, the City of Tustin Police Department received $78,816.00 in grant
funding from the State of California to enhance several different areas of service. The funds
were received and deposited into grant fund #16-4115. Some of these funds have already
been utilized to purchase a multi-purpose van for the Community Services Unit Police
Volunteer Program. The Police Department is requesting to spend additional funds from
this grant at this time.
RECOMMENDATION
That Council authorize expending funds not to exceed $15,000.00 for the purchase of
specialized surveillance and investigative equipment for use by the Special Investigations
and Gang Suppression Units. The specialized surveillance equipment is to be purchased
from Audio Intelligence Devices, Inc (AID), American Technology Network (ATN), and Dell
computers as outlined in this request.
FISCAL IMPACT
$14,667.15 plus shipping and handling, not to exceed $15,000.00.
BACKGROUND
The Omnibus Appropriations Act for fiscal year 1999 (Public Law 105-119) authorizes the
Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance to make funds available to local government
under the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant (LLEBG) Programs. The funds are for
programs that reduce crime and improve public safety.
The Police Department appiied for and received grant funding inthe amount of $78,816.00.
A total of $20,641.30 has been expended for the purchase of a multi-purpose van now in
use by the Police Volunteer Program. The Council has previously approved the use of
$15,000.00 from this account for equipment for the Special Investigations and Gang
Suppression Units.
The Special Investigations Unit currently has an AID Unitel-210 receiver and undercover
transmitter used to covertly monitor and record undercover narcotics transactions. The
equipment we are using is several generations old and has been modified or repaired on
several occasions. The purchase of new transmitters and receivers is a technical
advancement that will enhance our existing equipment, allow greater flexibility in
undercover operations, ensure better communications and monitoring, and greatly enhance
officer safety.
Attached is a sales quotation from AID to provide a new Unitel-1225 portable FM multi
channel receiver, a mini-receiver, and two undercover (disguised) transmitters, one for each
frequency on the receiver. AID will also repair and upgrade the existing Intel-210 system
and change frequency as determined by the agency to be compatible with the new
equipment. Estimated purchase price with taxes is $10,031.53.
The Special Investigations Unit currently has one set of first generation night vision goggles
for use in dark or near dark conditions. Night vision goggles use infrared light to enhance
existing light and allows officers to see in darkness. The Special Investigation Unit and the
Gang Suppression Unit often work in the evening and early morning hours, and they must
share the one existing set of goggles for surveillance.
The purchase of five (5) additional night vision goggles will allow mult p e officers from each
unit to be invoved in nighttime surveillances simultaneously, greatly increasing the
likelihood of detecting crimes being committed under the cover of darkness and providing a
higher level of officer safety by the enhanced surveillance capabilities. The night vision
goggles have a magnification level of 5X and enhance the light grain by 35,000 times the
existing light.
The night vision goggles recommended for purchase are from American Technology
Network (ATN) and can be purchased directly through the Federal GSA contract. The GSA
purchasing option allows them to underbid the vendors by $119.00 per unit. Total cost
including taxes is estimated at $1885.62.
The final item recommended for purchase is a laptop computer. This laptop would be used
by investigators to record surveillance activity ~,hile in the field and also to enhance
capability in the office to conduct computer and Internet investigations. The use of
computers is increasingly more common in narcotics cases, identity theft, and child
pornography cases. A portable laptop can be used in field investigations and will enhance
our ability to investigate these types of crimes.
The computer would be purchased through the IT staff and the model recommended is
consistent with equipment approved and recommended by IT Staff. Estimated cost
including taxes is $2,750.00.
The total of these three purchases is estimated to be $14,667.15. Shipping and handling
costs will be incurred and cannot be completely estimated at this time. Authorizing an
expenditure not to exceed the $15,000.00 previously approved by Council will be sufficient
to cover all estimated costs as well as any shipping and handling expenses.
STEVE FOSTER
Chief of Police
SF:MS:tlc
Attachment
2