TITLE
Recommendation to direct City Manager to explore expanding its partnership with Ring, LLC to increase the number of security devices in the City to enhance neighborhood security.
DISCUSSION
Ring security devices connect to the owner's home Wi-Fi network and send real-time
notifications to the owner's smart phone or tablet when someone is at the user's door.
Using the free Neighbors by Ring App (App), which is available for Apple, Android, and
Windows 10 devices, the user can see a high definition video stream of the person at the
door and speak to them using two-way audio communication. Ring security devices can
alert users when someone presses the button on the doorbell or when motion is detected.
Ring security devices operate on battery power or hooked up to home doorbell wiring.
On July 2, 2019, the City Council authorized the City Manager to execute a Memorandum
of Understanding (MOU) with Ring, LLC, for ongoing digital access and support to the
Ring Neighbors Portal, at no cost to the City of Long Beach. The Neighbors Portal is a
platform where users of the App can share video, comment on real time crime, and
receive alerts pertaining to a user-defined neighborhood. Users include App subscribers,
law enforcement, and the Ring team. Police personnel can view subscriber-approved,
uploaded videos to the portal. App subscribers have the option to decline the sharing of
requested video. Through this portal, the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) can
communicate and encourage community engagement to promote public safety through
partnerships.
To strengthen the Ring Neighbors Portal and existing MOU, City Council support is
requested to direct the City Manager to research and find ways to incentivize residents to
increase the number of Ring security devices throughout Long Beach. Ring is uniquely
positioned to support increased community surveillance as they already serve as the
leading provider of camera enabled doorbells with police department access to footage
with subscriber permission.
This matter was reviewed by Budget Manager Grace H. Yoon on July 8, 2019.
FISCAL IMPACT
This recommendation requests the City Manager to explore expanding its partnership
with Ring, LLC, to increase the number of Ring security devices in the City to enhance
neighborhood security. Any financial incentives, other than those potentially provided by
Ring, would need to be identified along with their costs before implementation, with the
potential source of financial incentives coming from one-time District Priority Funds by the
interested Council District Offices. The implementation of this recommendation is
anticipated to result in a minimal impact to staff hours beyond normal budgeted scope of
duties and a minimal impact on City Council priorities.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
DEE ANDREWS
VICE MAYOR, SIXTH DISTRICT
SUZIE A. PRICE
COUNCILWOMAN, THIRD DISTRICT
ROBERTO URANGA
COUNCILMEMBER, SEVENTH DISTRICT