Commissioners review proposed 10‑year taser lease with Axon; seek usage data and safety evidence

County staff presented a proposed 10‑year contract with Axon (listed in materials at about $3.1 million over 10 years) to replace equipment and add taser units for the Sheriff’s Office and detention facilities. Axon’s regional manager described product lifecycle, a refresh at year 5, and new VR training modules designed to support de‑escalation training.

Julian Brown of Axon said the new agreement “will extend all the way for the next 10 years” and include training modules and device refreshes; he told commissioners the current platform will reach end‑of‑life by 2027. Several commissioners asked for follow‑up data: Commissioner Jacobs requested the sheriff’s office usage data and any local statistics showing whether taser deployment reduced firearm use or produced adverse outcomes. Staff responded they would coordinate with the sheriff’s office and include performance data in follow‑up materials before any final board vote.

Commissioners pressed for clarity on the budget timing and whether the contract simply consolidates previously approved lease payments into a single 10‑year agreement. Staff said first‑year payment is included in the current budget and that some annual lease payments have come back to the board historically for appropriation. No final consent vote on this specific contract was recorded during the public discussion; staff said they will provide the requested data and schedule the item for the board’s upcoming meeting agenda as appropriate.