SR - AGR-6400 - BEHIND THE BADGE OC MEMBERSHIP1. SUBJECT
Approve the Agreement with Cornerstone Communications and authorize membership to Behind
the Badge OC for the period March 1, 2017 through June 30, 2017.
2. SUMMARY
The Police Department is seeking authorization to acquire the services of Cornerstone
Communications to add the Orange Police Department as a new member to the award - winning
news and features website, Behind the Badge OC. Behind the Badge OC is a communication
platform designed to share news and information about law enforcement agencies in Orange
County. Approval of the Agreement in an amount not to exceed $17,600, which includes a 10%
contingency, will cover the cost of membership and customary expenses.
3. RECOMMENDATION
1. Approve the Agreement between the City of Orange and Cornerstone Communications in an
amount not to exceed $17,600; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement on behalf of the City; and
3. Authorize the appropriation of $17,600 from the Federal Asset Forfeiture (355) unreserved
fund balance to expenditure account number 355.4011.51670.00000, Federal Asset Forfeiture,
Consulting Services.
4. FISCAL IMPACT
Upon appropriation, funds will be available to cover the cost of membership services as follows:
355.4011.51670.00000 Federal Asset Forfeiture, Consulting Services $17,600
ITEM 3. 0 1 2/14/17
5. STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL(S)
Ia. Provide for a Safe Community Provide staffing and resources to deliver services that ensure
public safety.
6. GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
Public Safety Goal 6.0 Provide public safety services of the highest quality.
Policy 6.1: Provide the Police Department with adequate personnel, equipment and state- of -the-
art technology to effectively combat crime, meet existing and projected service demands, and
provide crime prevention programs. These resources should be provided prior to anticipated
needs.
7. DISCUSSION and BACKGROUND
The Police Department currently maintains a strong relationship with the community, primarily a
result of high - quality public safety services. As the department moves forward in this fast -
changing environment, it's faced with new challenges, particularly those related to adversity and
transparency. In response, the Police Department would like to extend our services and utilize
social media to build a partnership with the community, solve crimes, and keep the public
informed.
One of the leading social media platforms in law enforcement is "Behind the Badge OC" which is
produced by Cornerstone Communications. "Behind the Badge OC" is a region -wide website and
maintains a social media presence that promotes the positive elements of law enforcement services.
Cornerstone Communications also provides crisis communications consulting services for a
number of non -law enforcement organizations throughout the state. Contracting with Cornerstone
Communications' social media services will provide a proactive communications program
designed to share news and information about the Orange Police Department. The crisis
communications component portion of the website gives the Police Department the ability to
advance information during emergency situations to local and neighboring cities. The website will
feature stories that educate the community about the Orange Police Department and more
importantly, develop a communications program to help promote a positive and productive
partnership with members of the community, the media, and key stakeholders. The program
services will also help achieve the following goals:
• Provide residents and businesses with information on public safety
• Recruit and retain personnel
• Enhance morale
• Partner with the business community and residents to fight crime
• 15 hours per month of crisis consultation (these services may be used for other city
events /crises when the Police Department is also involved)
ITEM 2 2/14/17
Other law enforcement agencies in Orange County utilizing Behind the Badge OC's social media
platform include: Anaheim, Tustin, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Westminster, La Habra, and the
Orange County Sherriff.
The Agreement also includes ongoing content development, crisis communications counsel, press
releases, and internal communications assistance for the period March 1, 2017 through June 30,
2017. The total estimated cost of $17,600 includes a 10% contingency fee reserved for additional
expenses and potential printing costs needed to finalize website content. Additional funding will
be available through our annual budget process for the following fiscal year.
The Police Department recommends approval of the contractual agreement between the City of
Orange and Cornerstone Communications for an amount not to exceed $17,600 and request
Council to authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement on behalf of the City.
8. ATTACHMENTS
Professional Services Agreement
Exhibit A — Scope of Services- Contractor's Proposal
ITEM 3 2/14/17