Trenton approves Axon body‑worn cameras; state grant cuts city share roughly in half

The Trenton City Council on May 15 authorized a purchase agreement with Axon Enterprises Inc. for body‑worn cameras and related services for the Trenton Police Department, authorizing a total initial expenditure of $115,503.40.

Police Chief Patrick Carr said the department received a grant from the Ohio Attorney General’s office that covers about $52,300, lowering the city’s five‑year cost to roughly $63,000. “My goal here is accountability, transparency,” Chief Carr told council. “Body worn cameras provide an objective record to the courts.”

Chief Carr said the department will assign one camera per officer and that the cameras will improve handling of complaints, evidence collection and public relations. He said the department deliberately selected a cost‑effective option and declined a higher‑priced system that would have allowed real‑time viewing on mobile devices.

Council members thanked staff for securing the grant and the technical work. Lieutenant Rosenfelder was singled out for helping to prepare the application and vendor negotiations. The purchase was approved by roll‑call vote.

Chief Carr acknowledged that some incidents captured by cameras — including any future use‑of‑force events — may be difficult to view but said that policies and training are in place. He also said he intends to wear a body camera himself and that officers will begin rolling the system into daily operations.

The city manager was authorized to sign documents related to the Axon purchase; staff will finalize vendor contract details and implement a deployment schedule.