DAPHNE, Ala.— The Daphne City Council unanimously approved the purchase of 18 new video camera systems to place in police cruisers to replace malfunctioning systems.

The bid was awarded to Gulf Coast Teleco to purchase 18 2010-W-PD/Digital in-Car video systems for $87,688.

According to the ordinance, the police department has consulted with the city attorney regarding the previous equipment provider that provided the malfunctioning equipment.

The ordinance was fast-tracked through the council because it is a public safety matter, city leaders said.

“This is an emergency and it is important for the council to consider on a first read. We have not considered this in finance (committe); this would simply be an exception to our procedure. This is not one that I want us to make a habit of…” Councilman Derek Boulware said.

Councilman August Palumbo pointed out that protocol was not followed for this matter.

“I just find it interesting that here we have this (ordinance) that did not go through the protocol and I don’t hear any voices raised about it,” Palumbo said.

Boulware said the exception to protocol was warranted.

“Capt. (Danny) Bell has expressed to me that he considers the police car video system as important to him as his firearm. That is a pretty strong statement coming from a police officer or anyone who puts their life on the line. If he considers that device as important as his pistol, my interest in protocol simply takes a backseat,” Boulware said.