The police department uses record management (RMS) and computer aided dispatch (CAD) systems that aren't integrated. That causes operational difficulties and is not cost effective, according to the project description in Pantelides' proposed spending plan.
CAD and RMS systems allow police personnel to record, analyze, archive and retrieve "thousands of pieces of law enforcement data," according to budget documents. Having integrated systems would better allow officers in the field to record and receive data.
The city also wants to replace its two-way radios to comply with a state mandate. Radios are required to be compatible with other government agencies, have expanded use of the radio spectrum and increased digital clarity.
The mayor's 2016-2021 capital improvement budget eliminates $2.4 million over four years for the purchase of two-way radios and $850,000 for new records management and computer aided dispatch systems for 2016.
Pantelides said the decision to delay technology upgrades is based on budget limitations. He said the city will pay for those upgrades in the future and will work with Gov. Larry Hogan to try to get funding for those items.
"This year is tight, as we've seen in the county and state," Pantelides said
The mayor's capital improvement budget is scheduled for public comment during tonight's City Council meeting. The council's agenda also includes discussion of the city's fees and fines schedule, amending the city's debt policies and the introduction of a bill to add gender identity protections to the city's fair housing law.
Alderman Fred Paone, R-Ward 2, said the CAD system is an important law enforcement tool. He said the City Council will review requests from each department but if any unfunded item is inserted into the budget, something else would have to be cut.
"We may try go find a way to get (CAD) back in the budget," Paone said.
Police Chief Michael Pristoop pitched his request to the city's Finance Committee last month. He did not return a phone call seeking comment for this story.
Pantelides said he will work with Pristoop and Finance Director Bruce Miller to determine if the technology upgrades can be phased in over multiple years. He said that is generally the case when the city overhauls its information technology systems.
"We'll do a percentage each year," Pantelides said. "It will be on a rolling basis."
Alderwoman Sheila Finlayson, D-Ward 4, and Alderman Ross Arnett, D-Ward 8, want further investigation into the request for new radios. They said the city spent thousands on radios a few years ago and seek clarification on the mandate.
Finlayson said the technology upgrades will have to be done eventually but hopes the city can phase them in and pay for them incrementally.
Arnett said a tight budget demands tough decisions.
"We don't have a lot of money to throw around," Arnett said. "That means some things that are probably worthy won't get funded right away."
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