HomeMy WebLinkAbout5.C.2. Purchase of License Plate Recognition System 5 G
CITY OF SHAKOPEE .
Police Department .6' i z
Memorandum
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
Mark McNeill, City Administrator
FROM: Chris Dellwo, Captain
SUBJECT: Use of Forfeiture Funds to Purchase License Plate Recognition
DATE: June 5, 2012
INTRODUCTION:
The Police Department is requesting Council approval to use DWI forfeiture funds to purchase a
digital automatic license plate recognition system from ELSAG North America for $19,400.
BACKGROUND:
The Police Department is requesting authorization to use DWI forfeiture funds to purchase a
license plate recognition system that will be installed on a police department squad car. License
plate recognition cameras "read" the license plates of stationary and passing vehicles. The
software automatically compares those "reads" with crime databases and alerts the officer
immediately if a vehicle is stolen or connected in some way to criminal activity. It also alerts if
the registered owner(s) are entered as missing or endangered, have a revoked or suspended
driver's license, or have warrants or are wanted in connection with some type of criminal activity.
Police department staff researched three vendors of license plate recognition technology. The
ELSAG system has been used by numerous law enforcement agencies in the twin cities area for
several years. The cost is comparable to the other vendors.
BUDGET IMPACT:
None, the purchase and set up cost of the digital automatic license plate recognition system is
$19,400. Funds exist in the department's DWI forfeiture account to support this purchase.
VISIONING RELATIONSHIP:
This action supports:
Goal E: Deliver effective and efficient public services by a staff of well - trained, caring,
and professional employees.
Strategy 6: Provide high quality services.
ALTERNATIVES;
1. Approve the purchase
2. Do not approve the purchase
3. Table and provide direction to staff
RECOMMENDATION:
Alternative #1. Staff recommends approval of the purchase.
ACTION REQUESTED:
If the Council concurs, they should, by motion, authorize the appropriate city staff to use DWI
forfeiture funds to purchase a digital automatic license plate recognition system from ELSAG
North America for $19,400.