Department: Purchasing
Department Head/Elected Official: DeWight Dopslauf
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Contract - Renewal
Project ID (if applicable): N/A
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): Lights On!
MWDBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A
MWDBE Current Participation (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% MWDBE Participation Goal: 0% - Non-Divisible
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request for approval of a renewal option with Lights On! for bulb repair vouchers program to distribute in lieu of citations for defective equipment for the period of July 18, 2024 - July 17, 2025 at a cost of $50,000, Justification for 0% MWDBE Participation Goal: 0% - Non-Divisible.
end
Background and Discussion:
Vehicle lighting problems, particularly those related to inoperable taillights or headlight bulbs, pose significant safety risks on the road. Traditional approaches involving citations have been effective in enforcing compliance. However, drivers may encounter challenges in finding appropriate repair options, leading to delayed repairs and continued safety concerns. This program proposal aims to streamline the process by offering pre-approved repair shops where drivers can redeem vouchers for necessary repairs.
The proposed program suggests that deputies issue vouchers to drivers with lighting issues, which can be redeemed at approved repair shops. These repair shops would be carefully selected based on quality standards, expertise in handling lighting repairs, and a commitment to providing timely and reliable services. Drivers would present the voucher to one of these designated repair shops to have their lighting issues resolved. The repair shop would then verify the work completed and provide documentation to Lights On for payment.
Expected Impact:
The expected impact of the proposed Lights On! program would enable Deputies to issue vouchers instead of citations for vehicles with inoperable taillights or headlight bulbs. I firmly believe that this initiative will bring about several positive outcomes, as outlined below:
1. Enhanced Road Safety: By providing a voucher instead of a citation for lighting-related issues, this Lights On! program promotes the prompt correction of vehicle lighting problems without imposing immediate financial burdens on the drivers. This approach ensures that more vehicles on the road have properly functioning lights, contributing to enhanced road safety for all road users.
2. Increased Compliance: Traditional citations can often lead to negative perceptions and resistance among drivers. By offering vouchers as an alternative, the Lights On! program aims to foster a more positive interaction between law enforcement officers and the public. This approach can encourage greater compliance and cooperation from drivers in addressing their vehicle lighting issues promptly.
3. Community Engagement: The voucher system presents an opportunity for Deputies to engage with the community in a positive manner. Instead of creating adversarial encounters, Deputies can educate and inform drivers about the importance of functioning vehicle lights, ensuring a safer environment for all. This engagement can help build trust and strengthen community-police relationships over time.
4. Time and Resource Efficiency: In many instances, traffic stops for lighting violations can be time-consuming for both drivers and law enforcement officers. By issuing vouchers on the spot, deputies can expedite the process, allowing them to allocate their time and resources more efficiently. This enables them to focus on other critical duties, such as responding to emergency calls or addressing more significant traffic violations.
5. Cost Savings: Implementing this Lights On! program has the potential to generate cost savings for both drivers and the Harris County Criminal Justice system. By offering vouchers instead of citations, drivers will have the opportunity to rectify their lighting issues without incurring fines. Simultaneously, the reduced paperwork and administrative burden associated with processing citations can free up valuable resources within the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
In conclusion, I strongly believe that the program allowing deputies to issue vouchers for vehicles with lighting issues is a commendable initiative. Its expected impact, including enhanced road safety, increased compliance, community engagement, time and resource efficiency, and cost savings, underscores the value and potential benefits it can bring to our community.
Alternative Options:
Issue citations
Alignment with Goal(s):
X_ Justice and Safety
_ Economic Opportunity
_ Housing
_ Public Health
_ Transportation
_ Flooding
_ Environment
_ Governance and Customer Service
Prior Court Action (if any):
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Date |
Agenda Item # |
Action Taken |
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7/18/2023 |
407 |
Award Approval |
Location:
Address (if applicable):
Precinct(s): Countywide
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Anticipated Court Date: 2/27/2024
Anticipated Implementation Date (if different from Court date): 2/27/2024
Emergency/Disaster Recovery Note: Not an emergency, disaster, or COVID-19 related item
Contact(s) name, title, department: Michael Lanham, Director of Finance, Sheriff’s Office; Luke Herdrich, Senior Buyer, Purchasing
Attachments (if applicable): Letter