From
Fred Bates, Jr.
Title
Purchase of a "Wanco WCT-BS-0000-6A - Portable Diesel Surveillance Trailer" from Wanco Security and Surveillance Company in the amount of $59,990
Presenter
Chief Steve Dye, Police Department
Recommended Action
Approve
Analysis
The City of Grand Prairie has several venues that consistently host large crowds and area events. The City also supports an infrastructure that could be attractive targets for terrorism or other criminal activity. The Police Department recognizes the need to conduct remote video surveillance of these City venues and other local infrastructure in order to prevent critical incidents and to gather needed intelligence for investigative purposes. The use of a portable surveillance unit has been identified as a progressive strategy to accomplish these tasks without the use of additional personnel and resources that could be deployed elsewhere.
The Police Department recently purchased one of these units in late 2015 and has seen remarkable results of improved evidence gathering in criminal investigations and the prevention of several individual crimes. Because of these results, the Department is seeking to purchase an additional unit to increase the ability to surveil simultaneous locations.
Chapter 271.02 of the Local Government Code authorizes local governments to enter into joint contracts and cooperative purchasing agreements with other local governments or local cooperative organizations for the performance of government functions normally associated with the operation of government, such as purchasing of necessary materials, services and supplies. Wanco, Inc. is an approved entity with the BuyBoard Cooperative Purchasing Program.
The Public Safety, Health and Environmental Committee reviewed this item on May 2, 2016 and recommended that it be forwarded to the City Council for approval.
Financial Consideration
Funding is available in the Federal Asset Forfeiture Fund (285110) Other Equipment (68360) in the amount of $59,990.