BELLA VISTA — Police patrol cars will soon have the latest technology in video camera equipment.
The City Council on Monday night approved a contract with Watchguard Video for a quoted price of just more than $140,000 plus tax. With tax included, the cost will be about $150,000.
The department does not have camera systems in its vehicles.
The cameras will offer all American-made components, high-definition video resolution, pre-event recording and built-in GPS in several, but not all, units.
GPS systems will allow markers of an event in the recording, according to the proposal put together by Police Chief Ken Farmer, such as evidence thrown from a vehicle in the event of a pursuit.
The video system will store about 24 hours of video per camera in a loop, which Farmer said will cover about three working days per officer. The videos will be transferred wirelessly and will be encrypted to guard against distribution of unauthorized copies.
Farmer said Watchguard will partner with Smith Two-Way Radio to install and maintain the systems.
In other business, the council again voted to put updates to the city’s master street plan on the back burner.
A resolution to pass the Planning Commission’s recommendations to upgrade the street plan in the area of Dartmoor Road and Oldham Drive was tabled unanimously, after Alderman Dick Rooney recommended the Planning Commission update the plan in its entirety before the council approves anything.
The updated plan was tabled in 2012 by the former council.
Rooney called the approach “piecemeal” and said this isn’t the proper way to make the changes.
Alderman also voted to partner with the Bella Vista Village Property Owners Association to enter into contract with Distinction Production Co. to film a segment for their Communities of Distinction program, hosted by Terry Bradshaw.
The program will cost $19,800, which will be paid by the city. The Association will reimburse the city for half the cost, Anderson said.