Everett Requests Funding for Cameras that can yell at criminals.

The City of Everett is asking the State for nearly $300,000.00 to put cameras in both city and county parks to deter vandalism. The interesting thing is when you look at the requirements one of them is voice deterrence. I guess that way the camera operator can shout things like “Hey you kids stop doing that!” Pat McClain from the city says the funding request is a long shot but the Parks Department felt it was an important item to try to get funded during this session. They’ve been talking about this since last summer apparently much to the surprise of Everett City Council member Drew Nielsen who says he wasn’t aware of it until the city’s lobbying day in Olympia. Here’s the request…

Parks and Recreation Capital Funding Request

Security Cameras

Draft Submitted for Internal Review

July 29, 2010

1. Project Summary
   

   Purchase security cameras for installation at selected parks throughout the City of Everett parks and recreation system. The cameras would be located at parks that 1) contain off-street parking; and 2) parks that have experienced excessive/expensive to repair vandalism such as play equipment damage and defacement, picnic shelter demolition and graffiti.

    

   The type of camera system to be selected will be coordinated with the City’s Information Technology and Police Departments. Ideally, the camera system would have the following capabilities/features:

   1. High megapixel resolution;
   2. Voice deterrence;
   3. Optical zoom;
   4. Greater than 200 foot site distance and range;
   5. High strength steel;
   6. Vandal resistant;
   7. Sustainable (i.e. solar powered and motion activated); and
   8. Remotely controlled for efficient photo download.

1. Statement of Need
   

   During the course of the year, and particularly during nice weather periods, the department receives customer complaints regarding vehicle prowls and break-ins at certain park locations. Recent complaints/incidences have occurred at Howarth Park, Thornton A. Sullivan Park and American Legion Park. The department employs two full time rangers (and a coordinator who oversees this function) and several seasonal rangers. The complement however, particularly in the summer with the seasonally high number of special cultural arts and parks events, are limited in their ability to randomly patrol the system and respond to calls. The installation of the appropriate camera system has been shown to be extremely effective in reducing crime. The Everett Chief of Police also believes a camera system within the parks and recreation system would be beneficial in reducing the incidence of crime.

    

2. Cost Estimate
   

   Staff estimates that a camera system with the above capabilities (and supporting peripheral equipment) would average $6,000 per camera. Forty (40) cameras would likely provide a good, base level of system coverage. Total cost is approximately $240,000. Of this total, and in consultation with Administration, the appropriate local share can be identified.

    

3. Development Timeline
   

   With the assumption of funding during the 2011 legislative session and funding availability as of July 1, 2011, the following is anticipated:

   1. Camera system specification development thru 9/11;
   2. Camera system procurement thru 3/12;

Camera system installation thru 6/12