R2020-158 Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Additional Body Cameras for Decatur Police Department Detectives

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STAFF REPORT To: Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe City Council Members City Manager Scot Wrighton From: Chief James E. Getz Subject: Purchase of a Body Cameras for Detectives BRIEFING ITEM RECOMMENDED ACTION: It would be the recommendation of staff that the council approve the expenditure$34,177.00 to purchase body worn cameras and equipment for all detectives. This will be paid for from the DUI Fund. BACKGROUND: The City of Decatur Police Department has recognized the need for and value of Body-Worn cameras in Law Enforcement to capture accurate video and audio evidence as well as to accurately depict Police contact with Citizens. Further the Police Department has recognized the value in the Body-Worn cameras in the mitigation of complaints against police officers. The Police Department,with Council approval,purchased body cameras for all sworn patrol officers and members of the Emergency Response Team earlier in 2020. All patrol officers and members of the Emergency Response Team have been issued and are currently using the body cameras.We purchased extra cameras for the detectives to use under certain circumstances,but these were to be signed out as needed as we did not purchase cameras at that time for each detective.At the time of the purchase it was not common in policing for detectives to regularly wear body cameras.However,2020 proved to be a year where the Department had to put Detectives out in uniform to support the patrol division. Covid, civil unrest, civil rights marches and gatherings required us to activate the Detectives and put them in uniform for patrol duties.We expect this to be the trend for 2021 and into the future,thus we believe it is in the best interest of the City, the Police Department,the Officers and the Citizens to provide a body camera to each detective as well.