SPONSORED BY COUNCILMAN RICKY BURGESS
Title
Resolution authorizing the Mayor, Director of Public Safety, Chief of the Department of Performance and Innovation and the Chief of Police to enter into contract(s) and/or agreement(s) with Optivon, Incorporated for the purpose of licensing a public safety smartphone application and software for the City of Pittsburgh. Cost not to exceed $10,000.
Body
Whereas, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police can become a more effective police Department with the more active participation of residents; and,
Whereas, the cooperation of citizens is key to solving crimes; and,
Whereas, the use of smartphones and smartphone technology has revolutionized the way we live; and,
Whereas, Optivon, Incorporated has created a smartphone application, named BASTAYAPR!, which means "Enough Is Enough!", which allows the public to instantly and anonymously relay tips about suspected criminal activity to local police; and,
Whereas, Luis Romero, owner of Optivon, Inc., created this smartphone application after his 20 year-old son, Julian, was murdered in San Juan, Puerto Rico; and,
Whereas, this application allows the public to easily alert police to suspected crimes such as assault, robbery, domestic violence and child abuse; and,
Whereas, Puerto Rican authorities credit the use of this smartphone application with much- increased levels of public cooperation in solving crimes; and,
Whereas, In the past year, Pittsburgh has installed gunshot-detection equipment, security cameras and established programs to increase community confidence in public safety services and this smartphone application will allow the public to more effectively participate in public safety in their communities; and,
Whereas, the use of this technology will create improved community engagement with Pittsburgh's Bureau of Police and other law enforcement officials.
Be it therefore resolved that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh hereby enacts ...
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