Riverton approves 10‑year, $2.55 million Axon contract to consolidate police technology and schedule refreshes

The Riverton City Council on June 16 approved a 10‑year contract with Axon Enterprises that consolidates the city’s existing technology agreements and adds equipment and services identified by police staff. The total contract amount presented to council was $2,547,186.57, with a first‑year payment of about $239,000 and annual payments of $256,465.17 for the remaining nine years.

Police leaders said consolidation would provide scheduled refresh cycles for body-worn cameras, fleet cameras, drone platforms and virtual-reality training systems, ensure warranty and support coverage for equipment and provide predictable annual costs. Staff estimated the consolidated agreement would save roughly $1.18 million over unbundled pricing across the 10‑year term.

Council members asked about long‑term lock‑in and whether the city could switch vendors if superior technology emerged. Police staff responded that the Axon agreement includes scheduled refreshes and that Axon intends to provide current technology throughout the contract; staff described the refresh cycles and noted that some refreshed hardware (for example, drones) remains available for department use.

The council discussed fiscal scale and officer safety. Councilman Mike Bailey said the annual cost is substantial but noted body and fleet camera capability and evidence systems can reduce litigation and improve response. Police staff described a recent incident in which a live feed helped dispatchers send backup when an officer was assaulted, which council members cited as an example of operational benefit.

Council moved to approve the new 10‑year agreement; the motion carried by voice/roll confirmation.