TO: Mayor and City Council
THROUGH: Steve Powers, City Manager
FROM: Gerald Moore, Chief of Police
SUBJECT:
title
Police Mobile Command Vehicle
Ward(s): All Wards
Councilor(s): All Councilors
Neighborhood(s): All Neighborhoods
End
ISSUE:
Shall the City Council approve use of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding for a police mobile command vehicle?
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Approve FEMA Controlled Equipment grant application for funding a police mobile command vehicle.
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SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND:
Salem needs a mobile command vehicle to respond to major incidents and natural disasters. The Salem Police Department (SPD) uses a repurposed 2004 Chevrolet Suburban as its mobile command vehicle (Attachment 1). A mobile command vehicle is the department’s top major equipment need.
A command vehicle is a multi-purpose vehicle utilized when there is an operational or tactical event. A mobile command vehicle is used for long-term or on-going criminal investigations, assists with natural disaster operations, and assists at community events where large groups will be congregating and civil unrest is possible. A mobile command vehicle can also serve as an educational platform when SPD is present at community functions (e.g. National Night Out, the World Beat Festival, and Salem-Keizer School District functions).
A mobile command vehicle provides a flexible, central base of operations where SPD command staff, public safety officials, and other necessary personnel can meet to manage an incident. Real time information can be received at this base of operations, processed, assessed, and distributed to field units. A mobile command vehicle may be equipped with voice and data communication systems in the event the multi-county 911 system becomes inoperative. It can also be equipped with satellite uplink, on-board televisions, and cameras to relay visual images and to receive information from local and national news outlets and weather centers.
The preliminary cost estimate for a mobile command vehicle is $500,000. Because of the expense, funding the purchase will be a multi-year, collaborative effort involving city funds, community donations, and grants. As part of the adoption of the FY2016-17 budget, City Council approved a recommendation to reserve $200,000 from FY 2015-16 budget savings for a mobile command vehicle. The Salem Police Foundation has raised $50,000 through its 2016 Breakfast with the Chief fundraiser. The Salem Police Foundation anticipates raising additional funds through future events.
Grant requirements include authorization from the governing body. City Council approval will enable staff to pursue grant opportunities.
If the needs of the department or city change, the City and Foundation funds can be repurposed.
FACTS AND FINDINGS:
1. The Salem Police Department is in need of a mobile command vehicle to utilize in responding to major incidents and natural disasters.
2. The City will apply for federal grants, including a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant, to assist in the purchase of a mobile command vehicle for the Salem Police Department.
3. The City Council’s approval is needed for the City to use any federal grant funds for the purchase a mobile command vehicle.
4. The vehicle will not be purchased until the City has secured all necessary funds.
Attachments:
1. Photo of current mobile command vehicle
2. FEMA Controlled Equipment Request
07/26/2016