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Commissioner Brown - Police Department - To Appropriate Funds ($180,000) from the Federal (Treasury/Justice) Drug Asset Forfeiture and Equitable Sharing Program and the Controlled Substance Abuse Tax for the Purpose of Purchasing Department Equipment; and to Accept Flock Group Inc. (Flock Safety) as a Sole Source Vendor for the Purchase of Flock Safety ALPR Camera System
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STAFF CONTACT
Chief S. M. Zill - Gaston County Police Department - 704-866-3321
BUDGET IMPACT
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Increase Revenue and Expense by $180,000.
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BUDGET ORDINANCE IMPACT
N/A
BACKGROUND
The Comprehensive Control Act of 1984 and the Anti-Drug Act of 1986 provide for distribution among participating law enforcement agencies of assets forfeited in connection with drug related arrest and the above laws prohibit the use of such funds to reduce local funds budgeted for law enforcement programs.
The Gaston County Police Department has received funds from the Federal Drug Asset Forfeiture and Equitable Sharing Program and the State Controlled Substance Abuse Tax. Funds are to be allocated from the Drug Asset Fund Balance and the Controlled Substance Abuse Tax Fund Balance (Budget Change Request attached). The Gaston County Police Department requests funds be appropriated for purchasing the following equipment:
1. Patrol Rifle Optics - This sighting tool will allow officers who are issued a patrol rifle to increase their target impact proficiency in both open air and closed space environments. The reflex sight allows the end user to keep both eyes open which drastically increases their field of view when assessing individuals who pose a threat to the community. This tool has decades of proven results from the Department of Defense and the law enforcement community. An estimated cost for purchase is $29,697.25.
2. Pistol Optics and Holsters - This sighting tool also allows officers to increase their distance impact proficiency in both open air and closed space environments. Also, this tool does not require the activation of a weapon mounted light to achieve a sight picture unlike traditional iron sights. By having to activate an external lighting system, it increases reaction time, adds an additional fine motor skill into a high stress/high liability event and reveals to the offender of the officer’s location. All Glock 45 MOS firearms purchased in 2020 are designed to specifically accept a pistol mounted reflex sight. Several law enforcement agencies in Gaston County currently utilize pistol mounted reflex sights.
Holsters - Once the pistol optic is mounted on to the top of the slide, it will no longer fit into a standard holster. The current holsters will need to be replaced with a version that accepts the mounted optic. Estimated cost for Pistol optics and holster purchase is $73,000.
3. Flock Camera System - The Flock Safety ALPR Cameras will be a major investigative tool for the police department. Flock Cameras are license plate reading (LPR) cameras that capture a picture of every license plate that passes through a specific location. After capturing the picture, the software cross references the tag number through the NC state Bureau of Investigation database called NCIC. The department will be looking for vehicles that are stolen, have warrants, Amber Alert, and also used in criminal investigations, such as, homicides and larcenies. The cameras are solar powered and are placed in strategic locations for maximum benefit to keep our citizens safe. This tool is a force multiplier and will be instrumental in solving more cases throughout all of Gaston County. Estimated cost for camera system is $63,500. This purchase qualifies as a sole source exception to bidding per NCGS 143-129-(e)(6) because the product is available from only one source. Please see attached justification letter from the manufacturer Flock Safety.
4. Tactical Uniform Pants - Tactical uniform pants are requested for use while wearing the newer outer carrier vests. These pants will make for a more professional and comfortable look for our officers. Re-outfitting the department with two pairs each will be a cost estimated at $20,532.
POLICY IMPACT
N/A
ATTACHMENTS
Budget Change Request; Sole Source Letter