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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 1c - Purchase of Taser Equiptment DATE: August 15, 2017 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council FROM: Robert Guthrie, Chief of Police By: Jennifer Brutus, Management Analyst SUBJECT: PURCHASE OF TASER EQUIPMENT BY TASER INTERNATIONAL FROM PROFORCE LAW ENFORCEMENT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $45,200 Recommendation: Waive the Formal Bid Process and Approve SUMMARY It is recommended that the City Council waive the formal bid process and approve the purchase of new taser equipment by TASER International from Proforce Law Enforcement in an amount not to exceed $45,200. BACKGROUND Electronic control devices, most commonly known as tasers, are part of police officers’ safety tools, which they carry on a daily basis. Tasers help officers in potentially violent confrontations and, while the taser is not intended to replace a firearm, its purpose is to provide a safer means of dealing with non-deadly force situations. The Department’s current taser devices (TASER X26) have outlived their life expectancy as they were purchased over 12 years ago from TASER International (“TASER”), the sole source manufacturer of tasers used by law enforcement agencies. This model is no longer supported by TASER. The newest model – TASER X26P, is safer and more effective due to its improved ergonomic design, diagnostics, and charge metering. This model is a single shot device that does not require replacing inventories of cartridges, has efficient reloading, and is compact in size. TASER International provides training and support for police departments. A total of four Arcadia police officers have become Taser Certified Instructors through the TASER Training Academy. These officers are able to provide hands-on weapons training to other officers and share practical knowledge on topics such as smart use consideration, Taser Equipment Purchase January 17, 2017 Page 2 of 2 tactical considerations, troubleshooting, weapon maintenance, firmware, and follow-up procedures. A total of 77 taser sets are needed department-wide, which includes the taser and matching digital power magazine (battery pack), holster, and cartridge. On January 17, 2017, the City Council approved the first half of the purchase - 39 sets for $46,500 using Equipment Replacement Funds. The Department is requesting to purchase the remaining 38 taser sets from the FY2017-18 Equipment Replacement Program in an amount not to exceed $45,200. DISCUSSION The Department’s taser purchase is limited to one manufacturer and authorized dealer. Over the years, TASER International has monopolized the taser industry and is now the sole owner and manufacturer of tasers that meet law enforcement requirements. Proforce Law Enforcement is the sole authorized dealer and distributor of TASER products for the State of California. TASER meets the Department’s safety standards and operations standards for function, performance, and reliability. Thus, it is recommended that the City Council waive the formal bid process and purchase TASER equipment from Proforce Law Enforcement. The purchase of the new X26P model will also require the Department to purchase new Digital Power Magazines (battery units), which not only power the taser, but capture data related to any taser use. New holsters and cartridges will be needed as well. The life expectancy for the new taser model is five to seven years. For this reason, TASER will stop servicing older models as newer models are released. The new taser model is covered under a one year manufacturer’s limited warranty and the accessories are covered for 90 days. Afterwards, the Department will be required to pay for repairs. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS The proposed action does not constitute a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), and it can be seen with certainty that it will have no impact on the environment. Thus, this matter is exempt under CEQA. FISCAL IMPACT Sufficient funds for the purchase of 38 tasers and accessories have been allocated in the FY 2017-18 budget under the Equipment Replacement Program. Taser Equipment Purchase January 17, 2017 Page 2 of 2 RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Council waive the formal bid process, and authorize the purchase of taser equipment by TASER International from Proforce Law Enforcement in an amount not to exceed $45,200.