Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Police Equipment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves five-year Axon contract for body cameras and TASERs
Summary
The council approved a cooperative purchase of an Axon bundle that combines body-worn cameras, TASER 5 devices and Evidence.com licensing. Supporters said the integrated system aids transparency and evidence handling; councilors discussed bidding, interoperability and data-sharing with partner agencies.
The Santa Paula City Council voted to approve a five-year cooperative purchase agreement with Axon to provide body-worn cameras, TASER 5 devices and Evidence.com cloud services for the police department.
Commander Starner, presenting the department's recommendation, said the bundled purchase consolidates hardware and cloud licensing and argued it improves evidence handling for prosecutions and complaint review. "They have integrated features that consolidate, capture data with the taser and the body worn camera...it's secure...we use it to upload evidence to our district attorney's office," Starner said. Axon representative Daniel Burt described features that automatically activate cameras when a TASER is armed or a sidearm is drawn, which the company says preserves crucial footage in high-stress incidents.
Councilmembers pressed staff on procurement approach and interoperability. Councilmember Crosswhite noted the purchase is through a cooperative program, saying it is not a waiver of competitive bidding but an alternative contracting vehicle. Vice Mayor Chavez said the system helps with "transparency" and liability reduction. A motion to approve the contract (item 10F) was made and seconded; the motion carried on a voice vote.
The contract bundles equipment, warranties, licensing and cloud storage; staff said the arrangement can simplify invoicing and reduce the need for separate server purchases. Council discussion also covered features for partner-agency sharing through Evidence.com and procedures to handle situations where sensors might inadvertently activate cameras (e.g., when entering secured areas).
