Title
Approval to Use $95,071 from Asset Forfeiture Funds for Purchase of a Replacement Video System for the City Jail
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the request to use Asset Forfeiture funds to purchase a replacement video system for the City Jail.
Report
Issue:
The City Jail has a video system that records activity in most sections of the jail to ensure both inmate and staff safety. The current system is significantly past its life-cycle, is failing, and uses technology that is no longer supported.
Staff Contact:
Laura Wohl, Administrative Services Manager, 360.753.8214
Presenter(s):
NA - Consent item
Background and Analysis:
The Olympia City Jail video records the activity in most parts of the jail on a constant basis. The video is important in monitoring inmates and also provides an important record when incidents occur in the jail. Video from the jail has been used to investigate crimes and also to investigate allegations of mistreatment in the jail. It is a key piece of equipment for maintaining a safe and secure correctional facility.
The Police Department has stretched the life-span of the current video system to its fullest extent. The system has reached an age where the technology is not only obsolete, but also malfunctioning on a regular basis. Further extending the use of the system is not an option because the technology is no longer supported.
The Police Department worked with City Facilities and City IT to collaborate on a system that would be universal for City surveillance video. By consolidating the surveillance systems used by the City, staff has been able to save on both the initial implementation costs and the on-going operating and maintenance costs.
Because the cost for the purchase is so large, the Department does not have the funds within its regular operating budget. For this reason, the Department is seeking to use Asset Forfeiture funds for this project. The Olympia Police Department completed a large asset forfeiture process in late 2001, following criminal convictions in a homicide case. The net proceeds, $369,247, were placed in the Special Accounts Control Fund, Seizure and Forfeiture Account ("Asset Forfeiture Fund"). By statute, money seized and/or forfeited as a result of criminal behavior must be used "exclusively for the expansion and improvement of law enforcement activities," and the funds may not be used to supplant pre-existing funding sources (RCW 10.105.010). The Jail video system is an improvement of law enforcement activities.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
NA
Options:
Council may wish to consider funding the system from another fund.
Financial Impact:
The law enforcement portion of the project is $95,071.