Focus Area: Public Safety, Infrastructure, Information Technology
Staff Contact: Chief Mike Butaud, Chief Jeff DeGraffenreid, Mary Jaeger, Mike Sirna
Subject: Consideration of approving Resolution No. 25-1069 Use of Video Security Cameras and Recording Equipment in Public Areas.
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title:
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Consideration of approving Resolution No. 25-1069 Use of Video Security Cameras and Recording Equipment in Public Areas.
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Summary:
On June 15th, 2015, the Olathe City Council approved Resolution No. 15-1050 establishing public policy objectives concerning the use of Video/Camera Networks. Since that time, technological advancements and evolving practices as of 2025 have rendered the existing resolution restrictive, thus limiting the capabilities of Olathe Departments in enhancing operational effectiveness and efficiency.
The top advantages of the new resolution:
• Utilizing traffic camera technology for a safer Olathe with real-time information provided to Police Officers in the field. This change will enhance public safety for citizens and employees while increasing customer service.
• Providing public safety employees with real-time information will increase the level of safety while responding to a reported collision or critical incident.
• Enhancing situational awareness for public safety employees will provide information that can include detailed visualization of an incident, establish incident locations, view potential suspect locations, and increased overall safety.
• Allow Infrastructure to provide citizens with street conditions during weather and traffic events.
• Assist IT with improving limited access to modern tech due to policies hindering technological advancement. Integration with cloud-based analytics platforms is restricted, and it prevents the adoption of cloud storage solutions that could offer scalable storage or advanced video analysis.
•Inter-agency cooperation is impeded by access limitations. Collaborations across different jurisdictions require integrated video feed access, but the need for city-owned devices for all parties complicates cooperation efforts.
Ongoing security measures:
• The Police Department will continue to be responsible for authorizing all video monitoring for safety and security purposes in the city.
• The Police Department will continue to audit the system for security purposes.
• Video records will be stored securely and in accordance with applicable record retention guidelines. Traffic intersection cameras shall be retained no longer than seven (7) days.
• City-owned security camera systems will not be utilized for real-time traffic monitoring with the intent of proactively enforcing traffic infractions.
Updating the policy governing the use of video security cameras and recording equipment within the City of Olathe is crucial for enhancing public safety and customer service delivery. It aligns with the city’s commitment to leveraging modern technology for the betterment of community welfare and operational efficiency.
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Financial Impact:
None
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Action Needed:
Repeal Resolution No. 15-1050 and Approve Resolution No. 25-1069.
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Attachment(s):
Attachment A - Resolution No. 25-1069
Attachment B - Resolution No. 15-1050