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Commissioners approve Axon contract for replacement Tasers after department presents safety and lifecycle rationale
Summary
The county approved a contract with Axon to procure Taser 7 devices for law‑enforcement use, citing worn-out existing units and a desired lifecycle replacement; training and a maintenance/repair provision in the five‑year manufacturer support were part of staff’s presentation.
Law‑enforcement staff presented a request to replace aging Tasers with a new Axon/Taser‑7 system and to enter a contract that provides devices, initial training and a maintenance pathway.
Presentation and rationale
A law‑enforcement presenter described the current Tasers as more than 10 years old, increasingly unreliable, and difficult to service because the vendor no longer supports older models. The department requested 20 new units, funded from capital equipment savings, and said the new devices are expected to have a 10‑year service life. The vendor‑support/maintenance agreement covers hardware malfunctions during the contract period and includes training for staff. Training was described as an on‑site session (historically a full day; presenters expected a 1–2 hour practical session for refresher/rollout), and the vendor’s warranty/service pathway will accept malfunctioning units and replace them during the contract period.
Cost and procurement
Presenters described the cost as approximately $96,000 for the equipment package; the county has budgeted capital funds for this purchase. The department characterized Tasers as a “less‑lethal” tool that reduces physical confrontations and asserted that newer devices provide more reliable compliance without requiring a lethal force alternative.
Board action
A commissioner moved to approve the Axon Enterprise agreement between Axon and Wasco County for Taser‑7 implementation. The motion was seconded and the board voted unanimously to approve the contract.
What was decided: The board approved the Axon contract for purchase and vendor‑supported maintenance of the Taser units; staff will schedule vendor training and proceed with procurement under the approved contract.
What was not decided: The board did not change policy on when devices are used; training and operational‑use guidance will remain a departmental implementation detail.
