Public safety committee recommends exploring real‑time crime center software; council told annual licensing could be about $150,000

The Laconia Public Safety Committee reported to the City Council on Jan. 27 that it is exploring tools to support downtown patrols and strengthen the police department’s real‑time crime center.

Committee members said they heard from the police chief and police commission about two items: reinstating a more visible patrol presence downtown (including a suggestion to purchase small utility vehicles — “gators” — for patrol use) and purchasing software that would operate the planned real‑time crime center.

Committee members told the council the department already received a grant (noted during discussion as about $22,000) to outfit a room for a real‑time crime center at the police department. But the committee said the software needed to manage and analyze camera feeds and other inputs would add an ongoing cost beyond the grant. Committee members and councilors discussed an estimated annual licensing or service fee of roughly $150,000 to $150,000 per year for the software vendor the department has reviewed; committee members asked staff to arrange a demonstration of the system for the full council.

The committee noted the system can integrate private camera feeds (for example, Ring or other business/home cameras) when homeowners or businesses give permission for police access. Members emphasized that the procurement should include input from the police chief and the police commission and that the council should see a demonstration before any large recurring expense is approved.

Council discussion and next steps Councilors asked whether the cost could be lowered by cooperative purchasing with nearby municipalities; a committee member suggested exploring joint procurement with neighboring cities. The committee recommended staff pursue a demonstration and return to the council with more detailed cost options and potential regional partnerships.

The council did not take final action on procurement; committee members asked staff to return with a demonstration and more specific cost estimates and financing options.