AgdaPkt 2017-09-11 Closed and Joint SA PFA

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6.1.D. - Page 3 However, the City believes that law enforcement investigative tools and analytical technologies primarily used for complex criminal investigations should not be subject to this same public disclosure as basic police surveillance equipment. Public discussion of these law enforcement technologies and investigative techniques would be detrimental to ongoing criminal investigations, compromise capabilities to protect our community, and allow individuals involved in criminal activity to more easily avoid detection. Recommendation 3. Staff shall bring to the city or town council (in the case of a police department or police bureau) or the Board of Supervisors (in the case of the Sheriff's Office) a policy or ordinance for consideration at a public meeting by December 31, 2017. Such ordinances or policies should require, at a minimum. • Plans to acquire new surveillance technology be announced at public meetings and other forums to ensure that the community is aware and engaged when new technology is under consideration. • Any "use policies" related to surveillance technology be readily available and easy to access on the city or County websites. • Oversight and accountability be supported by posting periodic reports on the effectiveness of the surveillance tools used in the community. Proposed Response — Partially Agree: The City agrees to provide the public an opportunity to provide input to the City Council on certain surveillance equipment purchases and to post governing policies on the City's website. The City believes that existing law and City Council review at publicly noticed City meetings provides the public with appropriate oversight when acquiring certain new surveillance equipment, including a process to review governing policies for the Redwood City Police Department. However, reporting on the effectiveness of surveillance tools will not be implemented as it would inhibit the Police Department's ability to adapt and evolve to changing criminal activity. In particular, it would alert and provide individuals involved in criminal activity an opportunity to more easily avoid detection or change their method of operation based on the effectiveness or lack thereof of certain surveillance equipment. ALTERNATIVES 1 . Approve the letter responding to the Grand Jury Report with changes. 2. Do not approve the letter responding to the Grand Jury recommendation and provide alternate direction to staff. FISCAL IMPACT The cost of staff time to prepare the response to the Grand Jury report and to implement the City's proposed actions can be absorbed within the existing operating budget.