TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Cmdr. Jack Fichtel & Officer Tracey Archer
DATE: May 15, 2018
SUBJECT:
Resolution to update/retro fit the Aurora Police Department’s 2002 LDV Command Post, which is used for major incidents and functions throughout the City of Aurora.
PURPOSE:
To request authorization from the Aurora City Council for funds to update/retro fit the Aurora Police Department’s 2002 LDV Command Post.
BACKGROUND:
In 2002, the Aurora Police Department purchased a command post from LDV Vehicles. Since that time, the command post has been used for numerous incidents and events. Despite being 16 years old, the drive train, engine, and body of the command post is in excellent condition. Although the command post is very well maintained mechanically, the technology aboard needs to be updated and/or replaced. When it was built in 2002, analog technology was installed. That technology is now antiquated and needs to be replaced with digital technology. Among the technology needing to be updated are the various camera systems. Additionally, the original layout of the command post is no longer sufficient for the needs of Aurora Police Department and other agencies that use it in a critical incidents and events.
The updated layout would increase the overall usable space in the command post and also rearrange the workstations to make the functions of the command post more efficient. The new layout would be more conducive for both tactical operations and incident command at events. With regards to tactical operations, the updates to the command post would make the rear section more functional during hostage negotiations by changing the layout, updating technology, and adding more area for dry-erase boards. The front portion of the command post currently has five work stations with radios. The layout currently utilizes oversized lower and upper cabinets along both sides of the space and when they are occupied there is little space available. The new layout would move all of the work stations to one side of the space and the opposite side would have a fold down bench to increase the overall available space.
DISCUSSION:
The Aurora Police Department’s command post was designed and built to be state of the art in 2002, but since that time technology has changed and the layout is no longer functional. A new command post would cost between $1.2 and $1.3 million dollars. By updating the command post the Aurora Police Department would be able to utilize the increased function and capabilities to have better command and control over critical incidents and events. If the command post is updated it will be able to stay current and in service for more years.
The command post is primarily used for critical incidents and major events. The command post is also utilized during training and critical incidents related to narcotic search warrants and other tactical operations where the Aurora Police Department’s Special Response Team is utilized. During these operations the vehicle also serves as command and control for tactical operations and negotiations. The requested funding will be through the Department of Justice assets forfeitures. This is a permissible use under law enforcement equipment as outlined in the Guide to Equitable Sharing for State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies, which is drafted by the Department of Justice.
In keeping with the aesthetics of the vehicle and wiring schematics within, it is requested that the supplier and builder that initially manufactured the command post perform the requested work to ensure continuity and function of the vehicle and technology. The company, LDV of Burlington, Wisconsin, provided a quote for the work, which was $138,922.00.
The monies for this project will therefore be utilized from Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Fund, more specifically account 256-3536-421-74.99. A Budget Amendment to the 2018 Budget will be brought forward later by the Finance Department in 2018 for $140,000 in this fund and sufficient funds are available for said amendment.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
If this project is not approved it will have a detrimental impact on the abilities of the Aurora Police Department to provide command and control during critical incidents and major events. Through updating the command post as requested the Aurora Police Department will be able to provide incident command and with a functional modernized space to work in. Approval of this project will allow the command post to function for years to come.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I am recommending that the City Council authorize the release of funds to update the Aurora Command Post.
cc: Finance Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution authorizing the funds to update/retro fit the 2002 Aurora Command Post vehicle.
body
WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, A resolution to update/retro fit the 2002 Aurora Police Departments Command Post that is used in major incidents and functions throughout the City of Aurora; and
WHEREAS, request authorization from the Aurora City Council for funds to update/retro fit the 2002 Aurora Command Post vehicle; and
WHEREAS, in 2002, the Aurora Police Department purchased a command post from LDV Vehicles. Since that time, the command post has been used for numerous incidents and events. Despite being 16 years old, the drive train, engine, and body of the command post is in excellent condition; and
WHEREAS, although the command post is very well maintained mechanically, the technology aboard needs to be updated and/or replaced. When it was built in 2002, analog technology was installed; and
WHEREAS, that technology is now antiquated and needs to be replaced with digital technology. Among the technology needing to be updated are the various camera systems. Additionally, the original layout of the command post is no longer sufficient for the needs of Aurora Police Department and other agencies that use it in a critical incidents and events.; and
WHEREAS, the updated layout would increase the overall usable space in the command post and also rearrange the workstations to make the functions of the command post more efficient. The new layout would be more conducive for both tactical operations and incident command at events; and
WHEREAS, With regards to tactical operations, the updates to the command post would make the rear section more functional during hostage negotiations by changing the layout, updating technology, and adding more area for dry-erase boards. The front portion of the command post currently has five work stations with radios; and
WHEREAS, the layout currently utilizes oversized lower and upper cabinets along both sides of the space and when they are occupied there is little space available. The new layout would move all of the work stations to one side of the space and the opposite side would have a fold down bench to increase the overall available space.; and
WHEREAS, The Aurora Police Department’s command post was designed and built to be state of the art in 2002, but since that time technology has changed and the layout is no longer functional; and
WHEREAS, A new command post would cost between $1.2 and $1.3 million dollars, but by updating the command post the Aurora Police Department would be able to utilize the increased function and capabilities to have better command and control over critical incidents and events. If the command post is updated it will be able to stay current and in service for more years; and
WHEREAS, the command post is primarily used for critical incidents and major events. The command post is also utilized during training and critical incidents related to narcotic search warrants and other tactical operations where the Aurora Police Department’s Special Response Team is utilized.; and
WHEREAS, the requested funding will be through the Department of Justice assets forfeitures. This a permissible use under law enforcement equipment as outlined in the Guide to Equitable Sharing for State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies, which is drafted by the Department of Justice; and
WHEREAS, In keeping with the aesthetics of the vehicle and wiring schematics within, it is requested that the supplier and builder that initially manufactured the command post perform the requested work to ensure continuity and function of the vehicle and technology. The company, LDV of Burlington, Wisconsin, provided a quote for the work, which was $138,922.00; and
WHEREAS, in keeping with the aesthetics of the equipment/wiring, the supplier and builder that initially manufactured, and installed the wiring and equipment, were contacted to maintain continuity. The company, LDV of Burlington, Wisconsin, provided a quote for the work; and
WHEREAS, the monies for this project will therefore be utilized from Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture account, more specifically account 256-3536-421-74.99.
WHEREAS, If this project is not approved it will have a detrimental impact on the abilities of the Aurora Police Department to provide command and control during critical incidents and major events; and
WHEREAS, through updating the command post as requested the Aurora Police Department will be able to provide incident command and with a functional modernized space to work in. Approval of this project will allow the command post to function for years to come; and
WHEREAS, recommending that the City Council authorize the release of funds to update the Aurora Command Post; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: approval to have the funds to be released for the 2002 Command Post to be updated, with the technology and space of this for years to come and the Director of Purchasing to issue the necessary orders.