Moscow council approves five-year Axon contract for police cameras and tasers

Moscow City Council on Oct. 20 approved a five-year purchase agreement with Axon Enterprises to supply in‑car cameras, body‑worn cameras and taser equipment, saying the change will replace aging devices and consolidate vendors. The motion passed unanimously after a councilmember moved to approve the purchase and associated NASPO participation resolution and another councilmember seconded the motion.

The item followed a routine approval of the consent agenda earlier in the meeting. Chief Anthony Dellinger told council the department has used in‑car camera systems for more than 20 years and body‑worn cameras for roughly 12 years and that many of those devices are at or near the end of their service life. “A lot of these items that we've been using for a long time are coming due,” Dellinger said, noting equipment failures including swelling batteries.

Dellinger said switching to Axon would allow the department to use a single vendor for all three device types and include a five‑year service agreement, on‑site installation and training supplies. He described Axon as “probably gonna be the best bet for our city and for our police department” and added he had solicited feedback from peer agencies and seen favorable demonstrations. Dellinger also said a last‑minute quote from Motorola narrowed the price difference but that council had identified one‑time purchase funds from the general fund surplus and a $200,000 reimbursement from Whitcom to help offset the cost.

Council members pressed on technical and budgetary details. Dellinger explained that newer taser models offer multiple probe positions (he described models with up to 10 probe options) to improve the chance of achieving neuromuscular incapacitation and reduce the need for physical force. He said taser deployments are rare in Moscow—about two deployments in the past six months—and that the department documents all uses. On vendor performance, Dellinger characterized recent service from the department’s prior provider (WatchGuard, later acquired by Motorola) as “lackluster” while describing Axon’s responsiveness during outreach and demonstrations.

When asked what the city would do with retired equipment, Dellinger said completely obsolete units would be surplused or destroyed and serviceable older equipment could be transferred to smaller agencies until they age out. Following the discussion a councilmember moved approval; the items carried on a unanimous voice vote with councilmembers Hailey, Drew, Gina, Sandra, Bryce and Julia each voting “Aye.” Mayor (unnamed) closed the item by encouraging the chief to proceed with procurement.

The procurement now advances to implementation steps with staff charged with executing the purchase agreement and coordinating installation and training under the five‑year service contract.