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Forest Park approves $1.3 million Axon contract for body-worn and in-car cameras, initial payment from federal fund
Summary
The council authorized the police department to replace its current camera system with Axon equipment under a 60-month cooperative contract, approving initial funding from a federal department account and directing long-term costs into the annual budget.
Forest Park Mayor and Council on April 21 approved a 60-month acquisition of Axon body-worn and in-car camera systems for the police department and authorized the initial payment to come from a federal fund account.
The police department told the council it has experienced "ongoing operational challenges" with its current provider and lacks automated features now considered industry standard, including automatic camera activation and cloud-based evidence management. Police leaders said Axon's platform provides automatic activation and tagging, secure cloud storage and real-time access to footage.
Costs and funding - Contract structure and totals (as presented): the department presented a 60-month total of $969,071.05 for body cameras and $388,931.05 for in-car camera systems; staff said annual installments will be budgeted and that the initial payment (starting in June 2025) is $9,690.69 to be funded from federal fund 214 (Department of Treasury account). The staff presentation listed the first-year (2025'26) cost at $87,216.40. - Procurement: staff requested authority to piggyback on the Sourcewell cooperative contract with Axon.
Police justification and features "Automatic activation allows that when an officer gets out of his vehicle, unholsters his taser or unholsters his weapon, it does an automatic activation," Police Chief Chris told the council, arguing the automated activation reduces the risk of missing critical footage during incidents and aligns the department with common agency practices.
Council action Councilwoman James moved to approve the purchase; Councilwoman Akins Wells seconded. Council members asked how the purchase would be funded over time; Director Wiggins and the chief said the initial payment would come from federal funds (fund 214) and subsequent annual costs will be included in future budgets. The council approved the motion unanimously.
Implementation notes Staff said Axon would replace the current camera and cell-phone style in-vehicle systems and noted that deployed city-issued cell phones previously provided to officers may be repurposed if the city chooses.
Ending The department will begin procurement and system deployment activities following the council vote, with budget staff working to incorporate annual installments into upcoming budgets.
