The Plano Police Department has used the Leica Laser Scanning System for many years to obtain extremely accurate maps of fatality accident scenes and some critical crime scenes. These maps and diagrams provide investigators with critical information to calculate directions, speeds, and impact data. More recently, Crime Scene units have begun using a new Leica scanning system to accurately map indoor crime scenes for court presentations. Data from the scanners is loaded into proprietary software which converts the data into three dimensional representations of the scene.
Currently the Plano Police Department is using the prior generation scanner, the Leica P-40. The new RTC360 scanner is an advanced model that is lighter, easier, and quicker to use reducing time on the scene for investigators. Documenting a complex crash scene can be done in under 10 minutes compared to over an hour now. It is also designed to be used inside buildings and residences in addition to outdoor crime scenes. With increasing usage by the Crime Scene Unit and the need for a back-up system in the event of damage or absence for calibration services, two (2) RTC360 systems are being requested. This is an upgrade of our existing technology and will continue to serve the needs of the department for many years. The Crime Scene Unit's scanner will be purchased using funds from the Criminal Investigation Fund account.. The Traffic Safety Fund will be used to purchased the Traffic Unit's scanner.
Purchasing this system from G4 Spatial Technologies represents the best value for the City because:
- Plano Police already have a license for the proprietary software currently used by Leica. This eliminates the need for purchasing new software and retraining personnel.
- Plano Police have had training and years of experience with operation of the Leica systems with great support and assistance from both Leica and G4
- Purchase of two (2) systems will allow both emergency back-up and lower maintenance costs as a replacement system will not be necessary when each system goes in annually for calibration.
- Collin County District Attorneys are familiar with current Leica viewing software for court presentations.
Plano Police recommends the purchase of two (2) Leica RTC360 Laser Scanner Systems from G4 Spatial Technologies, LLC via contract DIR-CPO-4752 in the estimated amount of $136,677.
Failure to approve this request will result in diminished capacity by our traffic investigators to quickly document evidence at crash scenes and return roadways to normal operation. Because documenting crimes scenes with laser scanning technology has become the standard in most crimes against person cases, failure to approve the request for the Crime Scene unit will result in additional overtime for Traffic officers to respond and scan crime scenes, delaying the collection of evidence and creating longer crime scene processing times. It will also require the Traffic officers to attend court to testify regarding the scanning of the scene.
The City is authorized to purchase from the State Contract list pursuant to Chapter 271 Subchapter D of the Texas Local Government Code and by doing so satisfies any State Law requiring local governments to seek competitive bids for items. (DIR Contract No. DIR-CPO-4752 and City of Plano Contract No. 2021-0496-O)