Council reviews proposal to extend warranty on police body cameras through 2029

Hampton Township public safety officials presented a proposal to extend Motorola’s maintenance and warranty agreement for police body‑worn cameras for three years after the current five‑year coverage ends in 2027. The public safety chief said Motorola offered a three‑year extension at $22,656 per year for 2027–2029; the extension would kick in when the current contract expires and includes a scheduled replacement cycle for body cameras. "We haven't had any issues with the Motorola body cams that haven't been instantaneously replaced under the current warranty," the chief said when describing why staff recommended the extension. Jerry, a township finance staff member, recommended the council consider whether the extension should be treated as a capital expense or moved into the operating budget because the warranty would become an ongoing annual cost. Staff reported the initial 2022 purchase totaled just over $143,000 and that the town’s current installment plan for that purchase is $28,006.44. Council members asked whether the proposed three‑year figure could change after signing; staff said the price is fixed once signed. The chief also clarified that the proposed three‑year warranty covers body cameras only; in‑car camera and dash‑cam systems are not included in the quoted $22,656 and will require separate contracts when they come up for renewal. Staff said video storage and security are handled by Motorola’s servers rather than local servers, and that approach helps ensure the preserved evidence is available for court requests. No formal action was taken at the meeting; staff said they will present contract documents and budget recommendations during the next budget process and that the council may vote on the extension or incorporate the cost into the operating budget.