HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Video System - Reallocated $150,000 within the PoliDept. ID PD-13-006 Page 1 of 1
Meeting Date: 7/15/2013
C
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
MEETING DATE: 7/15/2013
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Fred A. Wilson, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Kenneth W. Small, Chief of Police
SUBJECT: Approve and authorize the Chief of Police to reallocate $150,000 from within the
Police Department Budget for the purchase and implementation of a downtown
video system.
Statement of Issue: The implementation of a video system in the downtown area will reduce
criminal activity, aid the police in conducting investigations, and enhance prosecutions.
Financial Impact: Authorization is requested to expend $150,000 for the implementation and
maintenance of a video system in Downtown Huntington Beach. Funding for this appropriation is
available in the Police Department General Fund Budget.
Recommended Action:
Approve and authorize the Chief of Police to reallocate $150,000 within the Police Department
General Fund Budget to pay for the implementation and maintenance of a video system in
Downtown Huntington Beach.
Alternative Action(s): Do not approve and direct staff accordingly.
Analysis: In an effort to reduce criminal activity in the downtown area, the Downtown Economic
Development Committee directed the Police Department to develop an Enhanced Policing
Strategy. One of the recommendations, in conjunction with other actions such as increasing
patrols, was to install a video system. The intent was to cover the areas experiencing increased
criminal activity such as segments of Main Street, Walnut Avenue and under the pier.
Subsequently, the City Council approved an H-Item from Council Members Carchio and Shaw
directing the Police and Information Services Departments to explore the feasibility and cost of
installing a camera system. The results of the inquiry were presented to Council during a study
session on June 3, 2013. The purpose of this RCA is to provide funding for the project discussed at
the study session. In many other cities, video systems have reduced criminal activity, assisted the
police department in identifying perpetrators and witnesses, and enhanced prosecutions.
Additionally, they have been beneficial in reducing liability costs.
Environmental Status: N/A
Strategic Plan Goal: Enhance and maintain public safety
Attachment(s): None
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