Hinsdale trustees hold first read on $389,776 body‑camera package; president recuses
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Summary
Trustees heard a first reading to waive bidding and approve a five‑year Axon master service agreement up to $389,776.50 for body and in‑car cameras and evidence management. Village President disclosed a conflict and recused; a second read and a two‑thirds vote will be required to waive bidding.
HINSDALE — At its Feb. 3 meeting the Hinsdale Village Board held a first reading on a plan to replace the police department’s body‑worn cameras, in‑car cameras and digital evidence server with a five‑year system from Axon Enterprise Inc., at a cost not to exceed $389,776.50.
Trustee Stifler presented the proposal and said the equipment and evidence‑management software would cover hardware, installation, on‑site training and enhanced redaction capabilities that staff said will reduce the amount of time officers spend processing footage. "The new systems will include both the body worn cameras, the in car technology, along with an enhanced digital evidence management system," Stifler said during the discussion.
Chief King told the board that the department began researching replacements in 2025 because the existing body cameras and in‑car systems were reaching the end of their useful life. He said committing earlier in 2025 saved about $33,000 compared with available pricing, but that the overall package remains roughly $35,000 higher than the village’s current WatchGuard system. "By committing to the purchase, we saved approximately $33,000," Chief King said.
The item was presented as a first read; if the board votes to waive the competitive‑bid process it will require an affirmative vote of four trustees at second reading. The board also discussed interoperability: staff told trustees Axon’s platform is widely used in DuPage County and integrates with call‑dispatch and records management systems, a factor in the recommendation.
Before the Axon discussion, the village president disclosed a personal conflict of interest and recused himself from any involvement in the item, saying his wife’s company is a reseller that competes with Axon in a different product vertical. He said he consulted the village attorney and would not participate in related discussion or votes.
Next steps: the contract will return to the board for a second reading where trustees can decide whether to waive competitive bidding and approve the agreement.
