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Phoenix council approves $22 million Axon Taser contract after heated public opposition
Summary
The Phoenix City Council voted to approve a multi‑year contract with Axon to replace Tasers with the Taser 10 model, a proposal opponents said would divert $22 million from housing and community services. Police and staff argued the device’s longer range and safety features support de‑escalation.
The Phoenix City Council approved a contract with Axon on Dec. 18 to equip officers with the newer Taser 10 system, authorizing an expenditure that opponents and public commenters described as roughly $22,000,000 over the life of the contract.
Opponents at the meeting said the timing and scale of the purchase were wrong. “The timing of this $22,000,000 Taser proposal is a slap in the face for every Phoenix resident,” public speaker Percy Christian said, citing a recent U.S. Department of Justice review and local incidents involving use of force. Numerous speakers urged the council to redirect money toward housing, mental‑health services and community programs.
Supporters, including Councilman Kevin Robinson, cited safety…
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