SUBJECT
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SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT - REQUEST TO WAIVE BOARD POLICY A-87 AND ENTER A CONTRACT WITH AXON FOR BODY-WORN CAMERA SYSTEM (DISTRICTS: ALL)
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OVERVIEW
On March 3, 2015 (2), the Board authorized the Director of the Department of Purchasing and Contracting to issue a Request for Proposals for a body-worn camera system. After an extensive evaluation process, a contract was awarded to Axon Enterprise, Inc. ("Axon") for body-worn cameras and related accessories, software, and services.
Body-worn cameras represent a technological advance in policing and can help provide the high-quality public service expected of the Sheriff's Department and promote the sense of procedural justice that communities expect from their law enforcement agencies.
The current contract with Axon for body-worn cameras expires on July 31, 2022, and the Sheriff is seeking to enter a new agreement with Axon. Currently, a majority of the body-worn cameras are deployed with the Sheriff's Law Enforcement Services Bureau's deputies and a limited number of cameras (about 80) have been deployed with the Sheriff's Detention Services Bureau's deputies as part of a pilot program. This new contract will continue use of Axon body-worn cameras by Law Enforcement Services and additionally expand the deployment completely to all detentions deputies. This will bring the same transparency to the detentions environment as it does to the law enforcement environment.
This request is to waive Board Policy A-87 and authorize a new five-year contract, and six one-month options, with Axon for the body-worn camera system.
RECOMMENDATION(S)
SHERIFF
1. Waive Board Policy A-87, which requires competitive procurement of goods and services.
2. In accordance with Section 401, et. seq., of the County Administrative Code, authorize the Director, Department of Purchasing and Contracting, upon successful negotiations and determination of a fair and reasonable price, to award a contract for body-worn camera systems to Axon for up to five years and six one-month option periods, and to amend the contract as needed to reflect changes to requirements, services and/or funding, subject to approval of the Sheriff.
EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT
The authorization of a new Axon contract, including deployment of body-worn cameras in the detention facilities, will assist with the department's ability to provide accountability and transparency in its operations. Infrastructure and resources needed to deliver and support the provision of public safety services to the residents of San Diego County is critical to the Strategic Initiatives of Equity and Justice. Funding of these resources benefits not only county employees because it supports their ability to do their job in a transparent manner, but also the people served as it provides them with the opportunity to have visibility on the quality of public safety services of the Sheriff's Department. Those incarcerated within our County detention facilities are directly impacted by any policy or program instituted by the department. The Sheriff's Department is conscientious in ensuring that equitable and inclusive policies and programs are in place in the County detention facilities. The department prioritizes the health and safety of those in custody, which requires proactive and consistent evaluation of the inmates and detention facility environment. It will allow the department to ensure that the level of care and attention is provided for the benefit and safety of incarcerated persons as well as detention facility staff and visitors.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds for this request are included in the Fiscal Year 2021-22 Operational Plan in the Sheriff’s Department. If approved, this request will result in estimated current year costs of $5,000,000. The funding source is existing General Purpose Revenue. Funds for the option years cost will be included in future years operational plans for the Sheriff's Department. There will be no change in net General Fund cost and no additional staff years.
BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT
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ADVISORY BOARD STATEMENT
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BACKGROUND
On March 3, 2015 (2) the Board authorized the Director of the Department of Purchasing and Contracting to issue a Request for Proposals for body-worn cameras. After an extensive evaluation process a contract was awarded to Axon for body-worn cameras.
Body-worn cameras can increase accountability. Many policing agencies that utilize cameras have seen improvement in the performance of officers as well as the conduct of the community members who are recorded.
Recordings made at crime and incident scenes are a tangible benefit of body-worn cameras and can provide investigators, prosecutors and juries with detailed, accurate and compelling evidence. Additionally, recordings can be used in training both current staff and new deputies at the academy.
Body-worn cameras represent a technological advance in policing and can help provide the high-quality public service expected of the Sheriff's Department and promote a sense of procedural justice that communities expect from their law enforcement agencies.
Currently the majority of approximately 1200 cameras are deployed in the Sheriff's Law Enforcement Services Bureau (LESB) while a limited number (about 80) have been deployed with the Sheriff's Detention Services Bureau (DSB) as part of a pilot program. This new contract will allow the Sheriff to deploy body-worn cameras fully for all Sheriff's DSB deputies throughout its detention facilities and to maintain current deployment and support services for the Sheriff's LESB deputies. This will bring the same transparency to the detentions environment as it does to the law enforcement environment.
The Axon body-worn camera system is state of the art and has been continually updated since the initial procurement. The Sheriff has invested a large amount of financial and personnel resources in the current system. Sheriff's staff is proficient in using and administering the Axon system. All deputy equipment is standardized across the department to facilitate efficiencies in training and maintenance of equipment.
The Sheriff's market research of similar equipment and accessories, software system and related services indicate a new system would not be efficient but costly. Additional purchases of the same hardware and continuing the services with Axon save the County the significant investment on the current equipment, software system, training of staff and related services for the integration with current Sheriff's IT infrastructure. Replacing the current system would require all new equipment and the re-training of all staff; therefore, it would incur additional unnecessary costs. Additionally, a new contract with Axon would maintain the standardization and continuity of our operation with minimal risk of disruption. Axon has also offered the Sheriff discounted pricing for a new contract term. Therefore, it is in the best interest of the Sheriff to forego competitive procurement and continue contracting with Axon under a new agreement.
The current contract expires on July 31, 2022. This request is to waive Board Policy A-87 and authorize a new five-year contract, and six one-month options as needed, with Axon for a body worn camera system.
LINKAGE TO THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO STRATEGIC PLAN
Today's proposed action supports the Equity and Justice Strategic Initiatives of the County of San Diego’s 2022-2027 Strategic plan, by improving transparency and accountability in law enforcement and helps to foster trust with the people in our communities.
Respectfully submitted,
Anthony C. Ray
Sheriff
ATTACHMENT(S)
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