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Warwick police, fire and public works seek technology and fleet updates; Flock ALPR extension proposed
Summary
Police and fire departments requested upgrades including a Citcom radio system for the new dispatch site and a two‑year extension of Flock automated license‑plate readers. The police also sought two Dodge Durango pursuit vehicles and withdrew an F‑150 purchase. The Flock extension will be funded from federal asset‑forfeiture funds, the police said.
Police and fire leaders presented a set of operational purchases and contract extensions during the council meeting.
Assistant Chief Howard of the fire department requested a sole‑source award to Signal Communications (Citcom) for equipment to support moving the dispatch center into Station 10, asking for $264,781 from the fire capital budget. "Citcom holds the proprietary equipment for this system in Warwick," he said, adding that antenna work will be a separate upcoming cost.
Major Robert Hart of the police department requested a two‑year extension of the city's contract with Flock Safety for 11 automated license‑plate readers at $34,000 per year, to be paid from the federal asset‑forfeiture fund. Hart said the system has produced "at least 58 success stories" including locating vehicles tied to hit‑and‑runs and serious crimes. Councilors questioned data retention and privacy: the department said the contract deletes data older than 30 days and that the system does not provide facial recognition. Hart also described partnerships with private actors (retailers) that can increase camera coverage without additional municipal cost.
Separately, the police sought two discounted Dodge Durango police vehicles (2024 model police package) for patrol supervisors at a total cost of $131,379.40, funded through lease purchase funds. Hart said the vehicles would replace older units and be cascaded down the fleet as newer vehicles are added.
Council discussion focused on data retention, transparency, and fiscal prudence. Several council members asked whether longer contract terms could be negotiated for Flock to lock in pricing and reduce future cost volatility.
Next steps: the contract exceptions and vehicle purchases were placed on the consent calendar or advanced as appropriate; the department was asked to provide additional information about potential longer contract terms for Flock and to clarify disposal/retention practices.
