Parma Police Department approves $602K contract for new dash and body cameras

Parma City Council has approved a significant transition for the police department, moving from the outdated Safe Fleet platform to a new system that promises enhanced capabilities and savings. During the meeting on June 17, 2025, council members discussed a five-year contract worth $602,996.10 for the acquisition of 15 dash cameras and 10 additional body-worn cameras, along with 90 user licenses.

The decision comes as the current Safe Fleet equipment has reached the end of its useful life, suffering from poor image quality and lacking modern features such as artificial intelligence. The new system, provided by Axon, is expected to offer a more stable and widely used platform, aligning Parma's police technology with national standards.

The financial implications of this transition were also a focal point of the discussion. The council confirmed that $120,000 will be allocated from the law enforcement trust fund for 2025, with additional budget provisions planned for the following four years. This shift is projected to yield annual savings of approximately $52,000, totaling an estimated $264,000 over the contract's duration. These savings are attributed to negotiated discounts and the bundling of equipment, which contrasts with the higher costs associated with purchasing items separately.

Council members emphasized the urgency of the decision, noting that the police department currently has equipment that cannot be utilized without the necessary licenses. The approval of this contract is a critical step in ensuring that officers have access to functional and effective technology for their operations.

As Parma moves forward with this upgrade, the city aims to enhance public safety and improve the efficiency of its law enforcement efforts, marking a significant investment in the community's security infrastructure.