Rye Brook to buy new Axon tasers under five‑year plan; maintenance and training included

The Village of Rye Brook Board of Trustees approved a five‑year agreement to acquire new Axon tasers for the police department and approved related budget transfers to fund the program.

According to the resolution read at the meeting, the five‑year package would cost $29,006.39 per year for a total contract value of $148,001.94. The agreement includes warranty and training services, credits for returned old equipment, replacement for training use and maintenance, and five instructor trainings at no additional cost.

Police leadership described operational improvements with the new models: the newer units use individual projectile darts (allowing multiple, sequential shots if darts do not initially connect), have greater accuracy and range, rechargeable battery packs, and green laser aiming devices. Staff said the newer Axon models also reduce annual training cartridge purchases because training and incidental cartridge replacement are covered under the maintenance plan.

The board also approved budget and capital‑fund transfers to establish a police department taser program account and to move funds from closed and open capital projects into the general fund as needed. The board earlier approved a package of capital closures and interfund transfers that allocated money to cover the taser program and other items; the meeting packet and trustees’ discussion referenced those transfers and an ARPA recording adjustment.

Trustees described the purchase as a nonlethal option that gives officers additional control tools and praised the police chief for negotiating training and lifecycle maintenance into the agreement. The board approved the taser agreement and the related budget actions by roll call vote.