Contracts for behavioral testing and evaluation services, crime scene rendering hardware and automatic license plate detection were approved unanimously by the council.
Behavioral testing and evaluation services
Council members approved a contract for behavioral testing and evaluation services with Insight Psychology and Behavioral Health Services LLC not to exceed $60,000 over a five-year period. This will provide screening for prospective and existing officers, according to Police Chief Allen Banks.
"An important part of the police hiring process is psychological testing that helps ensure the department is selecting candidates who are appropriate for a career in law enforcement," city documents state. "Many agencies across the country employ a psychological screening as part of a multifaceted screening that includes basic and physical ability tests and background investigations. By assessing traits like impulse control, honesty, stress tolerance and other characteristics, the results of psychological testing provide the department with an assessment of the potential for success a specific applicant might have as a police officer."
According to the city, costs for similar services totaled $3,528 in 2021. Program costs will be paid out of the city's general fund.
Crime scene renderer
The purchase of a new A $73,678.70 crime scene renderer, a 3-D FARO, was approved unanimously by council. The 3-D FARO allows the Round Rock Police Department to recreate potential crime scenes that can then be retained and rendered for re-examination. City documents state that such technology makes investigation of major crimes more efficient and allows the department to provide courtroom exhibits. The cost will be paid through the city's public safety equipment replacement program.
License plate detection
Following a six-month pilot program using Flok Group Inc., a company offering hardware and software for license plate scanning, the council approved an agreement to fully implement 30 automated license plate readers installed throughout Round Rock on city-owned streets. Banks clarified that the software only allows for license plates and certain identifiers, such as color of the vehicle and notable body damage, to be recorded in the Flok system. The city will own the data, meaning that it will not be available to third parties. Per the contract approved by the council, the first year of program costs will be $85,000 with every subsequent year thereafter being $75,000. It will be paid out of the city's general fund.
Ahead of the vote, Banks said the system had already assisted in apprehending several persons of interest in recent crimes.
