Police pitch $999,000 public-safety technology package to link shot detection, LPR and cameras

The police department presented a proposal to centralize camera feeds, add gunshot-detection sensors and expand license-plate-reader (LPR) integration to improve response and investigation capabilities.

Major Reid outlined a Flock system package combining shot-detection sensors, expanded LPRs and software that would centralize existing cameras and alert officers in real time. Reid said the full package presented to council totaled $999,000 and would be submitted for federal funding (COPS Technology grants and an additional “burn” grant funding referenced in the meeting). He said the City could register 700 additional cameras from citizens and businesses with owner approval and tie drones and other sensors into the platform.

Major Reid said the estimated ongoing city cost after the grant period would be about $496,100 (presented as an estimate over a two‑year period) but added that the recurring cost could be reduced by narrowing geographic coverage or removing some Raven (gunshot-detection) units. He described expected benefits as improved officer safety, faster response, investigative leads via LPR matches, and the ability to integrate the system with 911 dispatch.

Why it matters: The package would expand surveillance technology and raise questions about cost, privacy and long-term maintenance. Major Reid said the system would reduce response times and help investigations; he sought council approval to prepare a formal application and return for award approval. No final approval was requested at this meeting; staff said they will bring a formal request when the federal appropriation windows and project details align.

Councilors asked about annual maintenance costs and longer-term city budgeting for operations; Major Reid said the two-year cost estimate would likely be reduced after data-driven scope adjustments.