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Atoka extends and upgrades Axon body‑camera agreement, citing evidence‑management needs
Summary
Council approved a five‑year extension and technology upgrade for Axon body cameras, noting increased statutory discovery obligations and heavy redaction workloads that drove the decision.
Atoka’s council voted to continue and upgrade its body‑camera agreement with Axon Enterprises, seeking newer camera hardware, docking stations and integrated evidence storage. Council members and staff said the devices have been valuable in reducing complaint volumes and improving transparency but are functionally obsolete and costly to maintain.
City staff said earlier grants covered about two‑thirds of the initial implementation but that statutory changes have increased the number and complexity of evidence requests, redaction workloads and storage requirements. Randall Slawson was named as a staff member responsible for reviewing and redacting footage. "Officer complaints have went way down," a public safety official said, and staff told the council that Axon’s cloud‑based evidence platform helps manage discovery obligations and multi‑device recordings.
Council moved to continue the Axon agreement for an additional five years, including the updated equipment and continued evidence‑storage services; the motion passed by roll call.
