Title
Tasers, Body Cameras, and Related Equipment and Services
Action
Action:
A. Approve a contract with Axon Enterprise Inc. for an initial term of five years:
- To provide hardware, software, licenses, services, storage, and ongoing maintenance for the implementation and support for body worn cameras, and
- For the unit price purchase of tasers and related products,
B. Authorize the City Manager to renew the contract for up to five, one-year terms with possible price adjustments and to amend the contract consistent with the purpose for which the contract was approved, and
C. Authorize the City Manager to purchase such additional software licenses, services, hardware, maintenance, and support as required to maintain the system for as long as the City uses the system.
Body
Staff Resource(s):
Johnny Jennings, Police
Michael Harris, Police
Crystal Cody, Innovation and Technology
Explanation
§ The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) continues to leverage technology to support core missions of safety, accountability, transparency, and optimizing efficiencies.
§ The use of body worn cameras has proven to be an effective way to capture interactions between police officers and citizens. The technology allows the capture of video from the officer’s point of view and provides greater visibility of activities.
§ CMPD currently has approximately 3,500 cameras to equip on and off-duty personnel.
§ Tasers are used to restrain violent individuals when alternative restraint tactics fail, are reasonably likely to fail, and/or where it would be unsafe for officers to approach a subject to apply restraints.
§ CMPD’s current tasers will be unsupported in early Fiscal Year 2023 and must be replaced in order to keep a supported, less-lethal weapon for use by officers. Approximately 1,750 tasers will be replaced.
§ On May 18, 2021, the City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) on behalf of the Charlotte Cooperative Purchasing Alliance; three responses were received.
§ Axon Enterprise Inc. best meets the City’s needs in terms of qualifications, experience, cost, responsiveness, and system configuration to RFP requirements.
§ This action will provide two replacements of body worn cameras and docks over the five-year period. Newer versions of the cameras have better video, audio, and software services.
§ Additional software is included in the officer safety program to assist with video audits, redaction, and transcription to aid in the overall management of the body worn camera program.
§ This action will also provide upgraded tasers with an expected lifespan of five years and the option to replace the tasers in the optional year six of the agreement at no additional cost.
§ Annual aggregate expenditures are estimated to be $4,231,500.
- $2,758,100 for body worn cameras, and
- $1,473,400 for tasers and related products.
Charlotte Business INClusion
Per Charlotte Business INClusion Policy: Part C: Section 2.1(a) The City shall not establish Subcontracting Goals for Contracts where (a) there are no subcontracting opportunities identified for the Contract; or (b) there are no MWBEs or SBEs certified to perform the scopes of work that the City regards as realistic opportunities for subcontracting.
This contract meet the provisions of (a) - No subcontracting opportunities.
Fiscal Note
Funding: Police Operating Budget and General Capital Investment Plan