HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-19-2019 Item 06 - Frank Family Donation to SLO PD Department Name: Police
Cost Center: 8001
For Agenda of: March 19, 2019
Placement: Consent
Estimated Time: N/A
FROM: Deanna Cantrell, Chief of Police
Prepared By: John Bledsoe, Police Lieutenant
SUBJECT: ACCEPTANCE OF A DONATION FROM THE FRANK FAMILY TO THE
SAN LUIS OBISPO POLICE DEPARTMENT
RECOMMENDATION
Accept the donation of $7,725 from the parents of Matthew Frank (SLO Stringer) to the San Luis
Obispo Police Department.
DISCUSSION
In December 2018, Jacquelyn Frank reached out to all law e nforcement agencies within the
County to present an opportunity for a monetary donation on behalf of the Matthew Frank “SLO
Stringer” Memorial Fund. The Memorial Fund is in honor of her son, Matthew Frank, who died
in a vehicle collision on March 21, 2017 while in route to a structure fire in the City of
Atascadero. At the time of his death, Matthew was a reporter known as “SLO Stringer” who
typically reported breaking news stories related to public safety. SLO Stringer had a deep and
personal connection with the community’s law enforcement and public safety departments.
The San Luis Obispo Police Department submitted requests for items that would enhance current
policing efforts within the community. After reviewing the Department’s requests, the followin g
items were selected for funding through the Memorial Fund: a Mavic Pro Drone, a
Communications Retrofit Kit for the San Luis Obispo Regional SWAT Bearcat, and a Geo Time
Software Package.
Mavic Pro Drone
The Mavic Pro Drone has advanced capabilities in areas such as search and rescue, locating
wanted persons, scouting, mapping traffic collisions, and SWAT related operations. The Mavic
Pro Drone is suitable for rapid deployment and smaller scale events which can significantly
reduce response time.
Communications Retrofit Kit
In March 2014, the San Luis Obispo County Regional SWAT Team acquired a Lenco, Bearcat,
armored vehicle. The SWAT team has successfully deployed this vehicle on numerous tactical
and rescue missions since its initial purchase. It has become readily apparent that communicating
with anyone outside of the armored vehicle is nearly impossible due to the thick steel
construction and the 4” thick windows (which cannot be opened). When SWAT operators and
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Hostage Negotiators try to communicate with anyone outside of the vehicle, they are met with
the frustration of trying to use hand signals or reading lips. Effective communication during
critical incidents are key to a successful conclusion. Lenco has begun offering a retrofit
communicat ions kit consisting of speakers and microphones. This kit will allow officers to
maintain effective communications during tactical operations and remain inside the armored
vehicle when communicating with those outside.
GeoTime Software
As technology advances, the use of cell phones by suspects has increased significantly. In order
to prove many cases, the inclusion of digital evidence recovered from cell service providers is
essential. GeoTime Software is a valuable tool that will enable the Department to quickly and
efficiently analyze cellular data. The software can display data in various formats (heat mapping,
3D timelines, charts, etc.) providing greater opportunity for analysis and follow up. Staff will
work with IT to review software specifications for desktop installation and other mapping
requirements.
Policy Context
Per the City’s Financial Management Manual, Section 760; the Donation Policy states that any
donation exceeding $5,000 requires Council approval.
Public Engagement
This item is on the agenda for the March 19, 2019 City Council meeting and will follow all
required postings and notifications. The public may comment on this item at or before the
meeting.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The California Environmental Quality Act does not app ly to the recommended action in this
report, because the action does not constitute a “Project” under CEQA Guidelines Sec. 15 378.
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FISCAL IMPACT
Budgeted: No Budget Year: 18-19
Funding Identified: N/A
Fiscal Analysis:
Funding Sources
Total
Budget
Available
Current
Funding
Request
Remaining
Balance
Annual
Ongoing Cost
General Fund N/A 1000.
State
Federal
Fees
Other: DONATION $7725 $7725 $0
Total $7725 $7725 $0 $ 1000.
Per the City’s Financial Management Manual, Section 7 60; the Donation Policy states that any
donation exceeding $5,000 requires Council approval. A total of $7,725 has been donated to the
Police Department to purchase the following:
1. Mavic Pro Drone: $2,000; The expected life cycle is five years. The department will cover
the maintenance cost for repairs. This will be absorbed in the department’s budget.
2. SWAT Bearcat Communications Retrofit Kit: $1,500; The police department will cover
maintenance costs for repairs which will be shared with other partic ipating members of the
Regional SWAT team.
3. GeoTime Software: $4,225; The annual ongoing maintenance is $1,000 which will be
absorbed in the departments annual operating budget.
ALTERNATIVE
The City Council could deny this request. Staff does not recommend this alternative; as part of
the Fiscal Health Response Plan, the department has already made reductions to the Police
operating budget. By accepting this donation, and in line with the Donation Policy Resolution
(No. 8965), the City can accept donations in order to enhance City programs to provide a higher
level of service to the public. These items will enhance the Police Department’s investigative
abilities, and as a result, provide higher levels of service.
Attachments:
A-Donation Policy
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Section 760
DONATION POLICY
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Donation Policy
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