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Daly City council approves no‑cost pilot and potential contract amendment with Axon for fixed license‑plate readers
Summary
The council authorized a trial of Axon's fixed automated license‑plate‑reader (ALPR) cameras and co‑terminating contract amendment, approving a no‑cost pilot that could lead to a 9‑year agreement with initial payment of $120,000 if the trial succeeds.
The Daly City Council on June 8 authorized the city manager to amend the police department's Axon agreement to pilot fixed automated license‑plate‑reader (ALPR) cameras, approving a no‑cost trial and reserving future payments should the city move forward.
Police Chief Cameron Christensen told the council the department has used mobile ALPR technology for several years and described the new fixed cameras as compatible with the department's existing Axon software. "Over the last two years, they have assisted with over 400 cases, including recovery of missing people, as well as arrests of individuals involved in criminal activity," Christensen said, citing the system's operational role.
Under the phased pilot, Daly City would receive 40 "outpost" compact ALPR cameras and six pan‑tilt‑zoom "light post" cameras in fiscal year 2026–27, with remaining outpost cameras arriving in 2027–28; staff said the total pilot inventory would be 99 outpost and six light‑post PTZ cameras. Axon is providing a no‑cost pilot; if the pilot proves successful the first payment of $120,000 would be due June 2027, followed by a $240,000 payment in September 2028 and annual cost‑of‑living adjustments thereafter. Staff estimated the fully implemented 9‑year agreement at roughly $2.5 million bundled, and said bundling produced several million dollars in discounts compared with purchasing line items separately.
Council members asked about data‑sharing and civil‑liberties safeguards. "SB54 [the California Values Act] prohibits law enforcement data sharing with any federal agencies for immigration enforcement," Chief Christensen said. "We do not share any information or any data with any immigration entity nor do we share with any federal agencies... unless there is a warrant or exigent circumstance, and it has to be approved at my level." He also described monthly auditing, one‑year retention requirements, and training as part of the department's compliance plan.
Several council members praised the RTIC (real‑time intelligence center) and asked staff to return with program metrics. Mayor and councilors noted past cases where ALPR data assisted investigations and public‑safety outcomes and thanked the chief for interagency collaboration.
The council voted to approve the item. The motion passed on a roll call/voice vote with the five members present voting in favor.
What happens next: staff will begin the pilot, evaluate reliability and system integration, and report back to council; if the pilot is successful the city would proceed with the scheduled first payment in June 2027 as previously appropriated in Measure Q funds for FY27.
Votes and procedural notes: the council adopted the authorization by majority vote; staff said no additional one‑time funding is required for the pilot phase and that future payments have identified Measure Q funding for the initial payment.
