Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council OKs upgrades to police Axon system including AI-assisted reports and license-plate reader
Summary
Mount Vernon authorized upgrades to its Axon body-camera system including conversion to Pro (sequenced video), Draft One AI-assisted report writing, and an ALPR license; the council approved the resolution and Police Chief Robert Brands said the ALPR "constantly reads license plates."
The Mount Vernon City Council on July 15 approved a resolution (Resolution #2024-30) authorizing upgrades to the police department's Axon system that include: conversion from Basic to Pro (to sequence multiple officers' video at the same time), Draft One AI-assisted report writing that transcribes body-camera audio, and an ALPR (automatic license plate reader) license.
City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel presented the staff recommendation and a written report from Police Chief Robert Brands. The costs listed in the meeting record were $162,292.55 for the Pro conversion and Draft One over 49 months (timed to end with the initial Axon agreement) and $66,137.70 for the ALPR license. Bechtel noted that "some of these costs will be offset by a grant over the next two years," but the meeting record does not specify the grant source or amount.
Chief Robert Brands told the council the department has been testing Draft One and the ALPR. On ALPR capability, Brands said it "constantly reads license plates" and would alert officers to stolen vehicles and assist during pursuits. Council Member Donte Moore asked whether the ALPR would function during a high-speed chase; Brands replied that it would and described the system as a viable tool based on recent testing.
The council approved the resolution on a motion by Ray Botch, seconded by Mike Young, with Botch, Moore and Young voting yes. The minutes do not list contract details such as data retention policies, privacy protections, or grant specifics; those elements were not specified in the council record and will need follow-up with the police department or city staff for further detail.
