2021/07/28 Council Agenda Packet

CITY OF EVERETT, WASHINGTON EVERETT POLICE DEPARTMENT Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program (CFDA# 16.738) FY 2021 Local Formula Solicitation PROGRAM NARRATIVE Introduction The City of Everett (WA) is a full -service municipal government agency which provides critical public safety and other vital services to a population of approximately 112,249 citizens. Under the direction of Mayor Cassie Franklin, Chief Dan Templeman commands the Everett Police Department (EPD) which consists of a staff of 207 commissioned police officers and 36 civilian support personnel. The City of Everett is a municipal government that was identified as eligible for funding under the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program. The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) identified The City of Everett for an eligible direct allocation of $41,370 as determined by their JAG formula. Details can be found at: https://bja.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh186/files/media/document/fy20jag-local- allocations-wa.pdf. Description of the Issue The Everett Police Department has needed to replace its outdated and antiquated interview room cameras and recording system for several years but has been unable to fund it within its annual M&O budget. Funding through the JAG program would allow for the immediate replacement. Upgrading to a modern interview room recording system will allow for reliable, high quality recording and monitoring (in real time) of interviews. There are several challenges to purchasing and integrating an up-to-date interview room recording and monitoring system in our agency. Any purchase of this amount (estimated $16,017) requires compliance with all city purchasing policies and state law. The EPD would also need to work with our City's Information Technology department to ensure that the system met current and future standards for integration, security firewall protection, storage and other technology concerns. An interview room video recording system keeps police officers' and detective's interactions with the public transparent, as interviews conducted with suspects, witnesses or other involved parties are recorded, if permission is granted. Interview recording technology will also assist in the prosecution of crimes and can be used to review investigative interview practices in the event that concerns are raised. These systems also keep officers safe, as they can be watched from outside the room in real time. This allows detectives and officers the ability to have close cover