During a recent government meeting in Little Rock, a passionate citizen raised concerns over a proposed contract with a publicly traded company, Axsome, which has been allocated $864,000 plus additional fees and taxes for surveillance technology. The speaker criticized the decision, arguing that the funds should instead be directed towards pressing community needs such as homelessness and infrastructure improvements.

The citizen highlighted that despite Axsome's acquisition of Fusus for $240 million, only a fraction of law enforcement agencies—less than 1%—are utilizing the software, questioning the efficacy of such an investment. They expressed frustration over the lack of accountability and transparency in the decision-making process, suggesting that the contract serves the interests of shareholders rather than the community.

Drawing from personal experiences with crime and law enforcement, the speaker recounted a series of traumatic events, including the unsolved homicide of a family member and inadequate police response to threats. They emphasized that technology alone, such as AI and surveillance cameras, will not prevent crime, advocating instead for community-based solutions and increased police presence.

The citizen concluded their remarks by urging the board to reconsider the contract, citing a misuse of public funds and the potential risks of privatizing crime data. The meeting proceeded with a motion to adopt the consent agenda, but the citizen's impassioned plea underscored a growing sentiment among residents regarding the need for more effective and community-focused public safety strategies.