Council authorizes Axon contract and safety grants as residents press for police accountability and oppose surveillance cameras

The Las Cruces City Council on Oct. 20 authorized continued use of a state procurement contract for Axon body‑worn cameras and equipment and adopted a $100,000 Small Business Safety Improvement pilot for the El Paseo/South Solano MRA. Those approvals came the same day residents used the public‑comment period to demand police accountability after a recent fatal shooting and to ask the council to halt automated license‑plate surveillance cameras.

Virginia Barela, a city procurement buyer, explained the recommended approach to procurement, noting the city will use an existing New Mexico State Purchasing Division contract with Axon Enterprises, Inc. She said the contract term extends through 2034 and that "we are currently asking for an annual not to exceed total of $2,500,000." Council approved the authorization by roll call; purchases remain subject to future budget appropriations.

Separately, Irene Badu of Economic Development presented the Small Business Safety Improvement Program, a $100,000 pilot that will offer grants up to $5,000 per eligible business for security equipment such as cameras, lighting, locks and sensors. Badu said the program "will incentivize businesses to invest in security measures, offering grants up to $5,000 per business or property." Applications open Nov. 3 and awards will be first‑come, first‑served until funds are exhausted; technical assistance will be provided by the LCPD Community Outreach Unit.

Public comment featured several speakers pressing for police accountability, opposing surveillance cameras and calling for preservation of historic adobe homes. Lucas Herndon said New Mexico "is in fact the most dangerous state to be a civilian and be killed by police," and asked the council to "hold the cops accountable for killing people." Derek Pacheco, who said he filed a petition for judicial review in district court regarding Project Jupyter, urged the council to halt Flock camera installations and to support the judicial review process; he said the cameras raise Fourth Amendment concerns. Connie Chapman raised questions about a fatal officer‑involved shooting on Oct. 9 and asked for clarity about the choices made by responding officers.

Council and staff did not take new policy action on surveillance cameras at the meeting; the Axon contract authorization and the safety pilot were adopted as described above.