Why Samsara Was the Right Fit The team ultimately selected Samsara, a platform that addressed multiple strategic needs: - Predictable lifecycle costs: lowest sunk cost with stable subscription pricing. - Hardware sustainability: virtually unlimited warranty and continuous upgrades. - Operational efficiency: cloud-based storage searchable by date, not by file size. - System integration: direct tie-in to vehicle diagnostics and GPS data. - Deployment scalability: simplified installation with transferable hardware. This wasn’t just about cameras. It was about establishing a data-driven infrastructure that could grow with the city’s fleet management strategies. Deployment at Scale The city’s initial rollout of 110 cameras followed a prioritization model: snow and ice vehicles and sanitation trucks received top priority due to their frequent public interactions. Other high-utilization vehicles followed. The economics were straightforward: - Hardware: $51,490 - Installation (outsourced, first wave): $10,450 - Annual subscription: ~$470 per unit Future installations will be completed by city staff, further improving cost efficiency. Tangible Benefits Beyond Litigation While accident defense – where vehicular incidents carry a $250,000 damage cap – remains the most visible benefit, the city has quickly identified broader operational returns: - Performance optimization: route data informs safer and more efficient operations. - Fuel intelligence: consumption tracking supports EV cost-benefit analysis. - Waste reduction: idling reports help cut unnecessary fuel burn. - Service accountability: timestamped footage resolves public service complaints with verifiable evidence. From a cost-avoidance perspective, even one successfully defended claim could offset the full program cost. Challenges and Flexibility Deploying technology across a mixed-age fleet came with hurdles. Connector compatibility in older vehicles and installation complexity in specialized equipment required
adjustments. The system’s design, however, allows for camera transfers between vehicles, minimizing hardware loss as the fleet evolves. Lessons for Other Cities West Allis’ dash camera project demonstrates the importance of treating technology adoption as a multi-departmental strategy rather than a single-issue fix. By aligning IT, legal, and operations, the city ensured the cameras could serve multiple objectives: protecting against liability, improving efficiency, and preparing for future transitions like EV adoption. For municipalities nationwide, the case offers a clear takeaway: when technology is positioned as a cross-functional investment rather than a departmental tool, its value multiplies. West Allis isn’t just protecting itself from lawsuits – it’s building a platform for smarter, more transparent, and more resilient city services. Key Takeaways for Municipal Leaders - Think enterprise, not department: engage legal, IT, and operations early to evaluate technology holistically. - Prioritize scalability: choose solutions with predictable costs, transferable hardware, and future-proof integrations. - Leverage data beyond the core purpose: a tool purchased for liability defense can also drive operational efficiency, sustainability, and service accountability. - Plan for flexibility: mixed fleets and legacy vehicles will pose challenges; select systems that can adapt over time. - Frame technology as investment, not expense: avoidance of even one major claim can justify the program, while additional efficiencies create lasting returns.
Erin Hirn , West Allis Administrator. Contact Erin at ehirn@westalliswi.gov
The Municipality - October 2025 | 13
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