HomeMy WebLinkAboutG- 6 Purchase of Radio Equipment for Police Vehicle Emergency Radio Communicaitons System V
CONSENT CALENDAR
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: KING F. DAVIS, CHIEF OF POLICE
VIA: RICK COLE, CITY MANAGER �VP
DATE: February 18, 2003
SUBJECT: PURCHASE OF RADIO EQUIPMENT FOR POLICE VEHICLE EMERGENCY RADIO
COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council approve the purchase of a total of thirty-five (35)
police vehicle radios for field use in order to improve radio communications capabilities of
Azusa Police Officers in the amount of $19,485.00 from the lowest bidder, Communications
Center, 2201-A E. Winston Rd., Anaheim, CA 92806.
BACKGROUND
Azusa police vehicles currently have a single VHF radio installed within them. Historically, the
radio system in Azusa has experienced inferior transmission and reception for a variety of
geographical and technical reasons. Since October 2000, Police Department staff has taken a
methodical approach to solve these radio problems. Improvements in radio technology
combined with a reputable vendor have enabled the Police Department to move forward with
this recommendation. By installing the proposed new radios in each police vehicle, substantial
improvement will be realized in radio transmission and reception.
The recommended replacement of the VHF radios is due to significant improvement in radio
technology. Our radio vendor has demonstrated that by replacing our old technology VHF
radios we can achieve noticeable improvement in field performance.
The reason for two separate radios is because of inter-operability issues. Azusa P.D. operates
within the VHF bandwith of the radio spectrum. We are licensed with the FCC to use this
spectrum as our primary frequency. We were not able to communicate with other law
enforcement agencies using the UHF bandwith. For example, we oftentimes work with the
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Dept. and even though our police vehicles would be side-by-
side, we could not speak to each other over the radio. By installing the second radio, Azusa
P.D. will be able to communicate with all of our surrounding police departments and the
IASD. Field testing has been conducted under the new radio configuration and significant
improved capability has been achieved.
Seventeen (17) of the radios will be the UHF model. Eighteen (18) of them will be the VHF
model. The pricing includes installation and programming costs.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding for this purchase will come from two sources: The California Law Enforcement
Equipment Program (CLEEP) Grant in the amount of $12, 619.57 and the Asset Seizure Fund
Account in the amount of $6,865.43. No General Funds will be used.
Prepared By: Captain Bob Garcia