Blue Island council approves Axon Fleet 3 in-car camera system for police vehicles

The Blue Island City Council on Oct. 28 authorized a purchase and installation agreement with Axon Enterprise Inc. for Axon Fleet 3 in-car camera systems to equip patrol vehicles.

City staff and council members described the action as a new purchase and a multi-year agreement that links in-car cameras with the department’s existing body-worn cameras and other Axon equipment. An unidentified staff member told the council the five-year arrangement is “a little over $29,000 a year” and “roughly $147,000” total for the term.

Supporters on the council said the replacement was driven by aging equipment and a need for consistent fleet management. Alderman Carr moved the resolution; Alderman McGee seconded. The motion carried on a roll call with seven ayes.

Council members asked whether the contract is a renewal or a new purchase; staff clarified it is a new purchase and installation to replace outdated or missing in-car cameras. Staff said 16 fully marked patrol vehicles are the target fleet, and that currently 11 vehicles have functioning cameras, three have malfunctioning units, and the remainder do not have cameras.

The agreement authorizes procurement and installation; staff did not present additional spending authority beyond the five-year total described at the meeting. The council did not discuss any funding source change at the meeting.

The council’s approval completes the city’s procurement step; implementation details such as installation schedule and fleet assignment were not specified at the meeting.