Commission authorizes Axon contract amendment to cover increased police technology needs

The fiscal committee on Sept. 23 approved a contract amendment with Axon Enterprises Inc. to add officer safety and software licenses for the Grand Rapids Police Department.

The amendment increases the contract to cover additional bundles of officer safety plan licenses and pro licenses as the department approaches its fully authorized staffing level. “As the police continue to increase their staffing levels, we need the appropriate technology to be able to have accountability and transparency,” said Mister Davis, a city staff member who presented the item to the committee.

Committee members asked for context about the change. Mister Davis said the original contract was sized when the department had roughly 260 officers and that the additional funds are to support the department as it expands toward full staffing. The committee voted to approve the resolution; members said “aye” and the chair noted the motion carried.

The resolution was recorded as approved at the meeting; the transcript records committee members moving the item and voting in favor. No opposition or alternative motions were recorded during the discussion.

The city did not provide a per-officer price in the discussion; the amendment amount was read into the record by staff during the fiscal committee portion of the meeting.