Pasadena Police Request for $400,000 Mobile Observation Tower Sparks Debate – Pasadena Now

The Public Safety Committee on Wednesday approved a recommendation to the City Council that would allow the City Manager to enter into a $400,000 contract for a mobile observation tower to enhance security primarily at the Rose Bowl.

But not before the tower sparked debate among city officials over funding sources and privacy concerns at Wednesday's Public Safety Committee meeting.

Lieutenant Tim Bundy presented the request, describing the tower as a 30-foot high platform equipped with high-definition cameras and ballistic protection. He said it would primarily be used to monitor large crowds at Rose Bowl events.

"The elevated position of the tower allows an expanded line of sight for officers," Bundy explained. "This is important at the Rose Bowl because there's long stretches of land with a lot of obstacles."

Several committee members questioned why the Rose Bowl Operating Company was not contributing to the cost. Councilmember Tyron Hampton suggested reaching out to the Rose Bowl for potential funding contributions.

"I mean it sounds like 80 to 90% of the use will be at the Rose Bowl," Hampton noted.

The funding for the tower includes $213,000 from an existing Urban Areas Security Initiative grant, with the remaining $187,000 from the general fund Police Department budget. Officials emphasized the time constraints related to the Urban Areas Security Initiative grant funding as a factor in the decision-making process.

Mayor Victor Gordo defended the city's investment, arguing the tower could be used for other events. He emphasized the importance of public safety equipment, especially given the Rose Bowl's high-security designation.

"All it takes is one terrible event to remind us of that," Gordo said. "To the extent that we're equipping our police department to avoid that is what's important to me."

Councilmember Hampton raised concerns about privacy and the tower's potential use in residential areas. Police officials assured the committee it would not be deployed in neighborhoods except in emergencies. The discussion also touched on the possibility of using drones instead of the tower.

The committee ultimately approved the request, pending inquiry into Rose Bowl funding contributions.

This decision came after considering the oversight commission's involvement and their vote on the draft policy.

That commission voted 5-3 in favor of the policy, but six votes are needed to pass an item.

The proposal will next go before the full City Council for final approval.