Design and Construction Leadership
LPK Architects, led by Bob Luke, was responsible for the design and construction of the RTCC. Luke explained that the city received several competitive bids and had the interest of multiple local contractors. To manage costs, the project was bid as a base bid for the main RTCC construction along with two alternates. The base bid includes all the essential components, except for one. There were two alternates - one for an extra auxiliary air conditioning system, which was considered expensive and not necessary, and the other for a generator.The RTCC, once completed, will play a crucial role in crime prevention and resolution. It will enable MPD to monitor cameras around the clock, providing vital information to responding officers. This continuous monitoring will help reduce crime and solve cases more effectively. To ensure uninterrupted power supply for the computers and screens, a backup generator is a necessary addition.
Bid Evaluation and Contractor Selection
After the bids were opened on December 12th, J&J Contractors emerged with the lowest and best bid. Their base bid was priced at $748,000, and the generator bid was $66,000. Currently, it is recommended to hold off on the additional air conditioning system as it is redundant and can be added later if needed. With the contract awarded, LPK will now proceed to obtain the necessary documents and bonds from the contractor to kickstart the project. Considering the holidays, the paperwork is expected to be completed in early January, followed by the commencement of construction in late January.Assistant Police Chief Patrick Gale emphasized the importance of getting the necessary equipment in place once the construction is finished. After the construction phase, it is estimated that it will take approximately 60 days for MPD to set up and bring the system online. Currently, a contract for surveillance cameras across multiple departments is out for bid. MPD aims to install around 80 cameras in high-crime areas and other significant locations. Once these cameras are received, they will be installed and made operational to be monitored from the RTCC. Additionally, cameras will be installed in city parks and public works facilities and will also be accessible from the RTCC.
Construction Timeline and Completion
According to the contract, workers have 150 days to complete the construction phase, which is expected to be around June 2025. However, Gale is confident that the RTCC will be operational by August. This timeline ensures that the city can benefit from this advanced crime-fighting tool as soon as possible.The construction of the Real Time Crime Center is a significant step forward in enhancing the city's crime prevention and response capabilities. It will bring together advanced technology and dedicated personnel to create a more secure environment for the community. With the various components coming together, the RTCC is set to become a vital asset in the fight against crime.