City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: APRIL 16, 2024
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER /s/
FROM: RAUL PEDROSO, INTERIM CHIEF OF POLICE
DOCKET TITLE:
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Consideration of the Release of $20,000 from FY 2024 Contingent Reserves to Fund Police Technology Initiatives to Increase Safety and Deter Crime.
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ISSUE: Should City Council release funding from FY 2024 Contingent Reserves for police technology initiatives that will increase safety and deter crime?
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
(1) Approve the allocation of $20,000 from FY 2024 contingent reserves to assist with funding the creation of the Alexandria Real-Time Information Center (ARTIC); and
(2) Authorize the City Manager to execute all the necessary documents that may be required.
BACKGROUND: In the FY 2024 budget add/delete process, the City Council placed $20,000 into contingent reserves to fund a private security camera incentive program. The initiative would have provided a small incentive to business and homeowners who invest in a private security camera. The goal of the initiative was to encourage businesses and homeowners to set up cameras to increase safety and deter crime, as well as increase the partnership between residents, businesses, and the Alexandria Police Department (APD). Since that time, and with ongoing coordination from the City Attorney, staff have concluded there are legal hurdles to establishing an incentive-based security camera program for private owners. Furthermore, it has come to light that a popular security camera vendor has altered its business model in a way that significantly undermines the intended program objectives.
DISCUSSION: In consideration of the challenges identified, staff proposes the City Council release $20,000 to the Alexandria Real-Time Information Center (ARTIC), a project underw...
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