Discussion and possible action to authorize a budget amendment of $884,192 to expand the Police Department’s quantity of computers in Patrol Services.

The Department currently assigns Mobile Data Computers (MDCs) to patrol vehicles. These computers serve as essential tools for officers to access Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) data, check warrant information, issue citations, and complete police reports, among other daily tasks. MDCs remain powered on nearly continuously and are utilized around the clock by all patrol personnel.

However, this vehicle-based assignment model has led to reduced accountability, resulting in frequent equipment loss, damage, increased maintenance requirements, limited device availability, and growing employee frustration. Transitioning to a model where MDCs are individually issued to officers rather than vehicles would enhance accountability, minimize downtime, reduce maintenance needs, and improve overall officer productivity and efficiency. To support this shift, this request proposes the purchase of seventy-five (75) additional MDCs for use by Patrol, Police Services Officers, and Animal Control Officers.

In recent years, the City of Peoria has conducted a city-wide Employee Engagement Survey. One of the top three areas identified for improvement within the Police Department was access to necessary tools and equipment. Providing each patrol officer with a dedicated MDC would directly address concerns raised by department employees by ensuring reliable access to essential resources.

There is no previous Council action on this item. 

A:  Approve a budget amendment of $884,192 to authorize an expansion of the Police Department’s MDCs in Patrol Services.

B:  Choose not to approve a budget amendment of $884,192 to authorize an expansion of the Police Department’s MDCs in Patrol Services.

Staff recommends the approval of a budget amendment of $884,192 from contingency to the Police and Information Technology Department’s operating budgets to fund an expansion of computers in Patrol Services. 

If approved, this action will allocate $884,192 with $666,492 allocated for one-time purchases and an ongoing impact of $217,700 per year.  Current forecasts show that the city can accommodate this increase in spending in the general fund, but this will reduce the capacity for the upcoming FY2027 budget process.

Funding will be used to purchase computer equipment, software licensing, cellular aircard service and budget for device replacement costs.

Once approved by City Council, the budget amendment will be processed.