The Scranton Police Department Community Policing Technology and Equipment Initiative

The City of Scranton's Police Department (SPD) will utilize funding to realize upgrades to its technology and training. This will provide SPD with cost savings as well as a consistent predictability of having state of the art technology and equipment. SPDS current method of purchasing is expensive to maintain. SPD will employ its new equipment and technology to move beyond incident reporting and tasers to the development of police personnel and the addition of supervisory tools. SPD will employ its new equipment and technology to manage use of force reporting, direct supervisor audits of specific incident types and will add a training module for officers. The training will use a virtual reality program not only in use of force but also for de-escalation and community interaction modules. Additionally, similar to bullet resistant vests, the taser manufacturer only backs their product for five years, transferring liability to the City. Further, when an in-car camera fails that is not under warranty it costs $5,000 to replace. Our intention is to lock rates in FY23 for the body worn cameras (BWC), mobile video recorder (MVR-dashcam) and Tasers. The MVRs will also be license plate readers. This greatly increases SPDs investigative capacity.  

As soon as funding is approved to the City, the City will procure the services of a vendor to provide the technology, equipment and services identified. All funding approved to the City will be paid to the vendor within the confines of FY23, but while all funding will be obligated up front, the City's engagement with the chosen vendor will only be binding for 36 months.