Finance committee approves $23,617 purchase of traffic message/radar trailer for police

The finance committee voted unanimously to approve a $23,617 purchase of a Stalker MC360 message and radar trailer for the police department, the committee confirmed during a meeting.

The police chief described the unit as a data-driven tool that counts vehicle volume, measures speed and produces multiple reports to help the department target enforcement. "We roughly tracked about 28,000 vehicles on 24th Street over a 7-day period," the chief said, adding that the device breaks data down hour by hour and into five‑mile increments to show when to deploy officers.

Committee members also noted the trailer’s utility for public events. The chief said the trailer is solar powered, can be moved between wards without daily charging and can display custom messages for events such as Frosty 'N First and the Celebration of Lights. He estimated delivery at about "70 to 75 calendar days once it's approved."

Responding to privacy concerns, the chief said the unit does not capture photographs or license-plate images. "This does not take photographs. It does not take pictures of license plates. It doesn't take pictures of people or vehicles. It merely counts volume, speed, and tracks and date and time. It collects no personal information from a vehicle that would travel by past that," he said.

Alderman Demus moved to approve the department’s recommendation; Alderman Reynolds seconded the motion. The clerk called the roll for the motion to "accept the recommendation regarding the purchase of a Stalker MC360 message trailer with strobes for the police department at a cost of $23,617 and related matters." Aldermen Demus, Thompson, Patak, Reynolds, Lavery, Jepson and Herndon voted in favor. The motion carried.

Committee members said they supported the purchase as a more efficient, data-driven way to respond to speeding complaints and to manage traffic at community events. The meeting was then adjourned. The department expects delivery in roughly 70–75 calendar days after procurement.