9673-06 Amend Chapter 4 - Theft of Aluminum, Copper, and Related Items

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Substitute Bill No. 12-06 Apri119, 2006 Page 3 members of the South Bend Police Department as to why they are needed as a tool for enforcement and detective purposes (See p. 9) ADDED language which would become effective on September 1, 2006 requiring video surveillance to include date & time stamping of video tapes, retention of tapes for thirty (30) days, etc. (See p. 12) You will also recall that a sample draft one-page form was provided at the April 10, 2006 Health and Public Safety Committee meeting, and could be used as a basis of a form, with the Department of Administration and Finance formulating the final version. At the last Health and Public Safety Committee meeting questions were raised with regard to the potential cost for the thumbprint requirement proposed in the ordinance. Our research reveals that currently 38 states are participating in the "Thumbprint Signature Program" or similar programs. This program is used by thousands of banks, mortgage companies, notaries, retail establishments, pawn shops etc. throughout the nation. It involves a "touch pad" which looks similar to an ink pad and does not leave ink or residue on the user's thumb or clothing. These inkless fingerprinting pads have a shelf life of eighteen (18) months with the capability of 600 to 1,300 imprints per pad, depending on the type utilized at a cost per pad starting at $3.35. Requirements for video surveillance equipment have been delayed for implementation until September 1, 2006, so that the city may continue to work with businesses in this area. Discussions have also taken place which will result in pro-active communications efforts. Upon the effective date of the Qroposed ordinance, that the South Bend Police Department would implement a "Business Watch" for all licensed businesses under the ordinance. All such businesses would be programmed into a system where then would automatically receive, by email and by voice mail, alerts from the SBPD when they have been made aware of a reported theft of ferrous or nonferrous metals. We believe that the many meetings and discussions on the proposed legislation have resulted in recommendations which will strengthen the overall ordinance, and may make the ordinance a model for other communities We urge each of you to support these needed tool which will help make the City of South Bend a safer community. Thank you.