Report to Mayor and City Council
Tuesday, July 07, 2020
Consent
SUBJECT:
Title
APPROVE A LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR LOS ANGELES SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT (CARSON SUB-STATION) TO WEAR BODY CAMERAS (CITY COUNCIL)
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I. SUMMARY
This item is on the agenda at the request of Councilwoman Lula Davis-Holmes and Councilmember Hilton. The item requests that the City Council take a position in support of the use of body cameras on law enforcement officers and to direct staff to prepare a letter to be signed by all members of the City Council urging that the Los Angeles County Sheriff expedite the release of body-worn cameras for the Carson Sub-Station, along with the resources to maintain and operate such equipment.
The City of Carson has historically taken positions on proposed federal and state legislation of interest to Carson because of the City’s location, economy, programs and policies that could affect its residents.
II. RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
APPROVE staff proceeding with a letter of support for law enforcement officers to wear body cameras and urging the Los Angeles County Sheriff to expedite the use of body-worn cameras at the Carson Sub-Station.
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III. ALTERNATIVES
TAKE another action that Council deems appropriate.
IV. BACKGROUND
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) has been a collaborative partner and supporter of the City of Carson for the last 52 years. To maintain the public’s trust, it was recommended by two dozen Carson faith based leaders who attended a Faith Based Summit held by City Councilwomen Davis-Holmes and Councilmember Hilton last month, that the City Council take action to support the use of body cameras by law enforcement, particularly in Carson. Consistent with this sentiment, the proposed letter would urge the expedited release of body-worn camera technology along with the resources to maintain and operate such equipment for the use of the Carson Sub-Station.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors set aside nearly $35 million to equip 5,200 deputies and security officers with the devices over the next two years. It is anticipated that the rollout will come in phases.
We would like the Carson Sub-Station to be one of the first in the County to receive the body cameras. As part of the remodel that the Carson Sub-Station is currently undergoing, its IT infrastructure is being updated, which means it will be able to handle the camera downloads as soon as body cameras become available to them.
V. FISCAL IMPACT
There is no anticipated fiscal impact at this time.
VI. EXHIBITS
Exhibit 1 - Letter of Support
Prepared by: David C. Roberts, Jr., Assistant City Manager