Chairperson Ervin asks for 3-5% reductions before October. What is the impact to the City with that reduction in OPSA? Ms Patterson says it's probably technology procurement and vacancies. Will bring details in October.
Ald Taylor asks about filling vacancies. Ms Patterson describes challenges in finding candidates. OPSA HR Director elaborates on some limitations. Currently 44 vacancies. OPSA having community event/hiring fair on Sep 17
Ald Taylor (remote) asks about electronic timekeeping. Ms Patterson notes that start up costs for technology are high but long term gains can be substantial.
Chairperson Ervin has questions about gun shot detectors. Ms Patterson hopes to have an update in the fall. Negotiating technical contracts takes significant time. May not see new system until 2027. Note that there's an implementation phase after contract signed. Mr Ervin is sad.
Ald Vasquez asks about Shotspotter alternatives. Any updates? Ms Patterson gives an update that OPSA is "toward the end of" finalizing a contract with a new vendor. Can't share specifics on process. Ald Vasquez notes concerns about privacy.
PD officers did not have phones. Working on a record system to use phones to submit reports instead of paper reports. System will make in car laptops redundant as well, reducing vehicle installation costs by $3k.
Question about hiring freeze and OPSA open positions. OPSA had positions in the pipeline before the freeze in Aug. Freeze didn't affect in progress openings.
Question from Nicole Lee about what we will do without all the federal grant money. "move around existing money" for this year. Next year City will be in "bad position". Maintenance, equipment, and training are funded with this money.
Question about UAS (Urban area security) grant from federal government. Ms Patterson noted that the City's grant amount dropped significantly. Natalie Gutierrez explained it's a Homeland Security grant. Chicago typically gets a large amount. Chicago dropped 45% from $67 million typical grant.
Question about care teams (mental health crisis teams). Is fire being deployed with care teams? Ms Patterson defers to fire department for specifics. OPSA's role with care teams is clarified by Dan Casey: we provide technical devices (e.g., radios).
