Meetings
 


City of Helena, Montana
 
October 22, 2015
To: Ron Alles, City Manager
From: Troy McGee, Chief of Police
Subject: Acceptance of a grant for the purchase of five (5) body cameras and one (1) radar sign.
Present Situation: The Helena Police Department recently had the funding opportunity for a grant given by the Department of Transportation Highway Traffic Safety. This grant amount is $7,500 and would be used for the purchase of five (5) body cameras for the motorcycle officers and one (1) radar sign to be placed by the streets department.
Background Information: The Helena Police Department would like to purchase five (5) body cameras and one (1) speed sign. The body cameras will be utilized by our motorcycle officers and the speed sign will be placed by the streets department.
Proposal/Objective: The Helena Police Department would like to purchase five (5) body cameras and one (1) speed sign. The body cameras will be utilized by our motorcycle officers and the speed sign will be placed by the streets department.
Advantage:

The advantages to the body cameras would be that patrol officers’ contacts would be recorded both visual and audio for future use in court; officers, or citizens accounts may be able to be verified by use of recordings and DUI investigations will be enhanced by being able to obtain video of the entire contact.

The advantages to the radar signs include the ability to decrease speeds by use of a mechanical device rather than an officer; warning driver’s of their excessive speed on streets that receive frequent complaints; data tracking of speed on street with speed concerns; force multiplier buy allowing officers to work other areas of concern while the speed sign regulates speed.
Notable Energy Impact: The radar sign will be solar powered.
Disadvantage:

The disadvantage to the body cameras would be that large amounts of video data must be stored and the privacy concerns as it relates to the use in private residences, hospitals, and other sensitive locations.

The disadvantage to the radar sign is drivers may get used to seeing the sign which will cause it to lose its effectiveness.

Notice of Public Hearing: N/A
Staff Recommendation:
 
ATTACHMENTS:
No Attachments Available