Police Oversight Commission to View Presentation on Mobile Observation Tower

Pasadena’s Community Police Oversight Commission Oversight will hear a presentation on the purchase of a mobile observation tower. 

According to a copy of the presentation in Thursday’s agenda, the tower features a suite of advanced technologies designed to enhance public safety and operational efficiency.

The tower can be elevated up to 30 feet and is equipped with high-definition cameras boasting 40X zoom capabilities and National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Level IV ballistic protection. This level of protection is critical as it ensures officers operating the tower are safeguarded against rifle fire, a vital feature given the static nature of their position.

Funding for the $400,507 will be allocated from existing budgeted appropriations, including $213,042 from the Homeland Security Grant Fund and $187,465 from the General Fund. This expenditure will be covered within the current fiscal year and includes a $15,000 contingency for potential change orders.

The mobile observation tower will primarily support high-profile events such as Rose Bowl games and other large-scale gatherings. 

Currently the stadium holds up 25 “displacement events” each one with tens of thousands of attendees annually.

The tower provides an elevated vantage point to monitor crowds and direct police responses effectively. It is also equipped with police lights and a public address system, serving as a crucial rally point for fans in need of assistance.

The Pasadena Police Department has discussed the tower’s deployment with Rose Bowl CEO Jens Weiden and Assistant General Manager Derek Doolittle, who reportedly agreed that the tower will significantly enhance safety at events hosted at the stadium, including the 2028 Olympics soccer semi-finals and finals.

The observation tower will also be deployed in high-theft commercial areas. Its four high-definition cameras will aid in gathering evidence, capturing suspect and vehicle details, and monitoring live feeds remotely without requiring an officer to be physically present in the tower.

Legally, there is no expectation of privacy in public places according to the 14th amendment, which allows police to monitor streets, parks and other places. 

A notice inviting bids for the observation tower was advertised in local media and posted on Open Gov Procurement, resulting in submissions from two vendors: Reconview LLC and Safeware, Inc. Reconview’s bid of $385,407 was selected over Safeware’s bid of $347,156 due to the latter’s lack of ballistic protection.