MEMORANDUM

July 20, 2005

To:       Mike Wildgen, City Manager

From:  W. Ronald Olin, Chief of Police

Ref:     In-Car Mobile Data Systems Purchase

            We continue our efforts to equip all our marked police cars with the mobile computer systems.  These are needed for real time call classification and call narratives when a detailed Kansas Offense Report is not required.  The ability for officers to be able to enhance the quality of the call information at the time of the event fulfills a community based interest in more accurate and detailed problem tracking.  This equipment is also the basis for the Municipal Court computerized citation system being introduced this year.

            The purchase of this equipment will serve the community by ensuring officers have the ability to generate improved call documentation when answering the citizens’ requests for service.  This equipment will provide the capability for officers to make retrievable notations and call classifications directly to the Computer Aided Dispatch System (CAD) regardless of the vehicle they are assigned.  This furthers the community identified goals which lead to the acquisition of CAD.  The in-car video server will operate with the traffic unit Breath Alcohol Testing Van and form the foundation for the introduction of in-car video capabilities.

            Motorola Direct designed and installed the Douglas County mobile data system, and is the sole source for this equipment.  The quote Motorola has provided is from the most current State of Kansas Contract bid pricing.  State Contract bid pricing has been utilized by Douglas County and the City of Lawrence for the previous purchase of Mobile Data system infrastructure and Mobile Data vehicle equipment.

            I request the expenditure of $64,931.00 to equip six more cars in our patrol fleet with the integrated computer/radio systems necessary for using the Douglas County’s Public Safety Mobile Data system and upcoming automated citation software.  I propose the use of $64,931.25 from line item number 01-2150-661-60-01 which has a current balance of $65,000.  Thank you for your consideration of this request.

                                                                                                W. Ronald Olin

                                                                                                Chief of Police