Committee approves Axon body-worn camera contract and related budget transfer

The Allegany County Public Safety Committee voted July 1 to approve an enhanced Axon subscription that will support body-worn camera video and transcription features for county law enforcement.

Acting District Attorney Peter Dgman told the committee that Axon, the vendor used by most area police agencies, will begin charging for services and that the DA's office requested the upgraded ("enhanced") version to obtain automated transcription and other advanced evidence tools. "We're really focusing more on accuracy," Dgman said, explaining the office is updating systems so case numbers and evidence are better accounted for.

A motion to authorize the purchase was made by Committee member Whitney and seconded; the motion carried on a voice vote. Committee members clarified that the cost for the first year is being covered entirely from the county budget, and Dgman said staff will pursue grant opportunities next year to offset future costs.

The committee also approved a budget transfer to provide the funds needed to pay Axon. The transcript records the transfer amount as "$14,75," a figure that is unclear in the record and could not be verified from the minutes; the committee discussion confirmed the transfer source but did not clarify the exact dollar total on the record.

The committee did not discuss any change to county policy on camera retention or access during this meeting; the vote authorized procurement and a funding transfer only. The committee approved the motions by voice vote and carried them without recorded roll-call tallies.

What happens next: county procurement staff will execute the contract and complete the approved transfer so the subscription can be activated; the DA's office indicated it will explore grant funding to reduce future county costs.