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Warren Council approves consolidated Axon contracts, emergency panic network for schools
Summary
The Warren City Council approved consolidating multiple Axon contracts—including body cameras, storage and drone services—and agreed to a citywide safety app (FUSIS) that would give first responders rapid camera access when a panic alarm is triggered; council and the deputy commissioner discussed privacy safeguards and long-term costs.
The Warren City Council on Dec. 17 approved a $660,885 budget increase to consolidate existing Axon Enterprise contracts and add related Axon services, a move city officials said will streamline body‑worn camera storage, drone evidence and other cloud services.
Deputy Commissioner Rushton told the council the consolidation will bring previously separate contracts for body cameras, storage and a drone program under a single agreement. "This what we're requesting is we're gonna, take all of those products and do it under 1 contract," Rushton said, adding the upfront figure covers outstanding contract expirations that would otherwise roll into the next fiscal year.
Rushton also described FUSIS, a safety tool that would allow participating schools, businesses and city buildings to register a panic button that triggers access to nearby cameras. "Any teacher would be able to push this panic button. It would immediately give us access to the 4 closest cameras to the person that's pushed the panic button," he said, arguing faster visual access could reduce response times in critical incidents.
Council members pressed on privacy and scope. Rushton said FUSIS does not provide access to personal phone data: "No. It does not." He added that camera access is time‑limited and only active while a panic button is pushed or a 911 call is in progress. The deputy commissioner said the program can be offered to private citizens on an opt‑in basis and would also cover city buildings, parks and libraries.
Officials discussed cost implications. Rushton said the ongoing cost of the combined service would be approximately $940,000 per year after the consolidation; he said savings from locking in current rates over a five‑year term would likely offset future increases. Council members voiced support for consolidation and acknowledged advantages of rate stability.
The council voted on the motion to adopt the budget increase and related resolution; roll call votes recorded the motion carrying.
The contract consolidation and FUSIS approval are intended to centralize police digital evidence systems and expand an emergency alert capability to schools and other participating entities. The city plans to provide more public information if the council's action leads to implementation.
