Arvada council approves Axon contract for police tech with requirement for community review

Arvada City Council on April 21 approved a resolution authorizing a multi‑year contract with Axon Enterprise Inc. to upgrade police technology — including body‑worn cameras, evidence management (Evidence.com), transcription and AI‑assisted report tools, virtual‑reality training and three drone first‑responder units — with the first year’s cost listed at about $1.18 million and a total five‑year price tag the department estimates at roughly $5 million.

Chief Ed Brady of the Arvada Police Department said the majority of the purchase replaces or upgrades equipment Colorado law already requires, such as body‑worn cameras and associated storage systems, and will create an Arvada Real‑time Information Center to support both emergency response and non‑police city services. “Body‑worn cameras require specific and specialized software to maintain and store the videos. This is also a requirement of Colorado law,” Brady told council and the public.

The contract was the subject of intense public comment. Dozens of residents urged delay or rejection, citing civil‑liberties risks of expanded surveillance, concerns about cloud‑based systems and third‑party access, and allegations that Axon contracts have ties to federal immigration enforcement. “Giving Arvada taxpayer dollars to Axon is an immoral act,” one public commentator said, citing the company’s reported work with federal agencies.

City legal staff and APD answered technical questions about data ownership, audits and access. Brady said Arvada would retain and control its evidence accounts and that supervisors conduct regular reviews; staff also said systems must comply with federal Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) rules. Council members asked whether proposed state legislation on surveillance ('SAFE Act') could affect the contract; city attorneys said the contract includes standard opt‑out and non‑appropriation clauses and staff have included contract language to allow for changes if needed.

Councilmember Shawna Ambrose cast the sole dissenting vote at the final tally, but council approved an amendment from Councilmember Karin Davis requiring city staff to return to council with a report on community outreach and engagement related to the new systems within 12 months. The amended motion passed 6‑1.

What happens next: With council approval, APD will proceed with contracting and system roll‑out subject to the terms in the agreement and the annual review requirement added by council. The department is also hosting several public information sessions this month to explain the Arctic center and drone responder program, staff said.

Speakers quoted in this article are drawn from the meeting record and public comment: "Body‑worn cameras are required by Colorado law," Chief Ed Brady said. Councilmember Ambrose said she could not support approval without more community engagement and a review of model policy recommendations from groups such as the ACLU.