They want us to pay for BWC software.. but it's paid for by the State

 http://vod-framingham.cablecast.tv/CablecastPublicSite/show/3048?channel=1

 It has been confirmed by the mayor at last Thursday night’s Finance Subcommittee is that Chief Baker did not want to force his people to wear the cameras. (1:14:04) It all makes sense now. If the cameras were received under the state grant years ago, the union would have no right to refuse to wear them. For the past two years plus body cam grants were asked about, even under the previous administration and we know now why grants were not pursued. The current mayor knew all about it. Now, the mayor indicates (1:14:50) that the BWC’s will be part of the new contract in 2024 and depending how that goes, we may have to make a different decision regarding body cams.

During the meeting agenda item 2023-113, a request was made by the mayor to transfer $49K to the FPD for the software necessary to implement Police Body Cameras. Concerned citizens at the meeting asked why the (51:10) – (1:16:40) tax payers must pay for the software when the State body-worn camera program states it would cover software under the grant as an allowable capital expense.  And for the record, for the 10^th time, Framingham will receive $211K for the purchase of 140 cameras. And enough accessories to get the program up and running immediately, including software.

The representative from FPD explained that software was not allowed under the grant. When shown the statement from the BWC program web site, he then said they tried to include the software in the grant application but were told it was not an allowed expense, when in fact it is an allowable capital expense.  Having sent the committee, for a second time, a copy of the redacted grant application that FPD filed on July 27^th 2023. it was my hope that they would read it, but perhaps everyone is just too busy. If they had, many of their questions would have been answered. The redacted sections include what FPD is applying for. Did that include funding for software? We just don’t know. The most critical requirements from the state grant are an assurance that FPD will have a body worn camera policy AND a collective bargaining agreement or documents of sustained good faith efforts to reach agreement. Both must be turned in within 90 days of executed contract (Oct 6^th) which is Jan 6^th, 2024. According to FPD it is Jan 17^th. Not a dime can be spent until the two requirements are met.

It is so disheartening to see the lethargic response from FSC regarding this issue. Having sent a copy of all the pertinent state information months and months ago, none of them bothered to even open it and read it. Even more appalling is how they easily brush off the truth and just accept what FPD has said and written. While one councilperson spent 15 minutes cross-examining Jesse Edwards over a $50K equity audit grant as if he were a hostile witness on the stand, the very same councilperson was first to approve the spending for the software. But never asked FPD a single question.

It is now on the agenda for next weeks CC meeting, item # 6, but voted on by the majority to table till the next finance subcommittee meeting.