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Council reviews $71,000 Faro 3D scanner purchase for police; members ask about Axon integration and public‑records access
Summary
The city plans to buy a Faro 3D imaging scanner for police collision and forensic work under a waived‑bid purchase of $71,092.72; councilors pressed staff on Axon integration, data retention schedules and Freedom of Information access for evidence.
The council agenda included a proposed waiver of competitive bidding to buy a Faro Technologies 3‑D laser scanner for police use at a total cost of $71,092.72 covering hardware and five years of software/warranty.
Staff explained the Faro unit can produce 3‑D imaging commonly used in engineering and crime‑scene reconstruction and that the purchase was budgeted in the specialized police equipment CIP. Council Member Moore asked whether the system integrates with Axon (the department’s evidentiary/body‑camera system), who has access to the data and how long it is retained.
The police representative confirmed the Faro system integrates with the Axon evidence management software, allowing data to be stored centrally and avoiding separate evidentiary systems. Retention follows department policy and is case dependent: homicide evidence may be retained permanently; an assault or battery matter might be retained for seven years; evidence in active investigations is exempt from FOI until the prosecutor approves release. Staff said FOI processes apply in other cases and that defense counsel could obtain material through discovery.
What’s next: the purchase is on the consent agenda and will be before the council for approval next week; staff said they would provide additional policy detail if councilors have follow‑up questions.
