Council approves $86,763 sole‑source purchase of forensic recovery system for police

A police department representative requested council approval of a resolution to buy a replacement forensic recovery system from Digital Intelligence for $86,763, describing the device as a specialized digital server that stores sensitive forensic data including data seized from cell phones and computers in criminal investigations.

The presenter said the existing equipment was last sourced in 2019 and is beyond its useful life; staff explored warranty and maintenance options and estimated a stopgap cost of about $17,000 to get through one year but concluded replacement was the better option because the vendor will no longer warranty the older unit. The procure­ment was described as a sole‑source bid waiver because the vendor supplies the specific equipment used by the department.

Council members asked about expected lifespan; staff estimated roughly six to seven years for the new unit. A motion to approve the purchase was moved, seconded and passed on roll call.