Committee advances police technology contracts — vehicle upfit and an Axon taser bundle — after questioning on procurement and oversight

The Public Health & Safety Committee approved two police-related contracts after extended questioning about procurement, technology and oversight.

Contract 6007457 (6.9) is a one‑year upfit and special services package with Security Solutions Services for DPD, using an IPA (installment plan) funding vehicle and totaling $950,000. Members asked whether the upfit includes the vehicle purchase; staff confirmed that it does and said the vehicles would be U.S.-made. DPD officials described the technology as a new, 5G-capable device the department considers unique and necessary to keep investigative capabilities current; officials said the procurement followed COGS posting and board review and that deployments require search warrants and other legal checks. One committee member registered objection pending a fuller written report on exact capabilities and safeguards, but the item passed and will be sent to formal with the recommendation to approve.

Contract 6007497 (6.10) is a five‑year, $1,036,692.48 contract with Axon Enterprise for a TASER certification bundle. One member objected on the record because of concerns about frequent taser use against protesters; despite that objection the committee approved the contract and sent it to formal with recommendation to approve.

Committee members asked staff to produce the COGS report and procurement specifications for the upfit vehicle and to clarify what new technology (if any) requires special review, citing the department’s transition toward 5G-capable equipment and the need for clear policy and oversight around devices that can intercept communications.

Ending: Both items were approved but members asked follow-up reporting and expressed continued concern about surveillance capabilities and use-of-force implications.