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Assigned Counsel Program to buy Axon discovery software with state grant
Summary
The Assigned Counsel Program won committee approval to use state DCJS grant funds to buy 60 Axon Premier Plus discovery licenses (100% grant‑funded), a six‑year contract the program says will speed review of voluminous video and documents and reduce local costs.
The Albany County law committee authorized the Assigned Counsel Program to contract for Axon Enterprises’ Premier Plus discovery software, to be paid entirely with a state grant, officials said.
Shane Hugg, of the Assigned Counsel Program, told the committee the office plans to purchase 60 licenses and that the software’s AI transcription, search and indexing will “streamline how the attorneys review their discovery.” Hugg said the system will store material locally, permit searches that jump to relevant video clips and synchronize multiple body‑camera feeds. He described the purchase as “about a $654,000 contract over the course of 6 years.”
Hugg said the change is intended to reduce the county’s share of indigent defense costs by cutting attorney time spent reviewing lengthy discovery packets, and to improve parity with the district attorney’s office, which already uses similar tools. The program plans to buy the software using a state grant administered by the Department of Criminal Justice Services, meaning the county share will be funded by the grant rather than local dollars, he said.
Committee members asked about contract pricing and the need for attorney review despite automated transcription; Hugg acknowledged attorneys retain an ethical obligation to review discovery but said the software will prioritize and speed initial review. The committee approved the authorization on a voice vote.
