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Board approves Axon officer‑safety package after extended debate over cost and surveillance
Summary
The Board of Finance approved a bid waiver to Axon Enterprises for a five‑year officer‑safety package that includes drones, upgraded tasers, expanded body‑camera capabilities and integrated storage; members pressed the police chief about training, ongoing costs and privacy safeguards.
The Board of Finance voted to approve a bid waiver for Axon Enterprises’ five‑year premium officer‑safety package after an extended discussion about training, long‑term cost and surveillance.
Chief Borrello told the board that the package replaces end‑of‑life equipment and includes training as part of the contract. “We’ve already started our drone training…training will be provided and is included in that cost,” the chief said, adding the package includes in‑person and online options. He also described integrated features such as expanded body‑worn cameras with real‑time translation and license‑plate reader cameras.
Opponents and some residents, represented in the meeting by a committee member, raised privacy concerns and asked whether parts of the package could be set aside. “The constituents that have approached me are uncomfortable with the level of surveillance that this will create,” the committee member said.
The chief and presenters responded that drones would be deployed in response to calls for service (for example a gun or disturbance call), that Axon will provide a real‑time portal and deployment log so the public can see when drones are used, and that internal policies and existing law will govern deployments. One presenter emphasized that consolidating purchases into the package provided cost savings the department would not achieve purchasing items a la carte.
Board members also questioned the contract length and vendor lock‑in. The department said the five‑year contract locks the city for that term but staff could pursue other vendors when the contract expires. Officials discussed a projected incremental budget impact of roughly $300,000 in future years tied to new technology in the package.
After discussion the board approved the bid waiver by voice vote and noted the package’s budget implications will appear in future fiscal years. The board’s approval authorizes the procurement step (a bid waiver) and forwards any required appropriations or recommendations to the joint meeting with the city council as required by procedure.
