ACQUISITION AND REPLACEMENT OF ESSENTIAL POLICE DEPARTMENT EQUIPMENT FROM AXON ENTERPRISE, INC.
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DEPARTMENT: Police Department
PRESENTED BY: Michelle Bradbury, Sergeant
CONTACT INFORMATION: Michelle Bradbury, Sergeant, 714-754-5030
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Staff recommends City Council to:
1. Authorize the use of NPPCGov Contract (League of Oregon Cities) NO. PS20270 with Axon Enterprise, Inc. for the purchase of Axon Tasers T7.
2. Authorize the City Manager to purchase the Axon Tasers T7 replacing the current and outdated Axon Tasers for $446,576 and execute any necessary documents in connection with such purchase, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
3. Authorize a budget adjustment appropriating $446,576 from the unassigned fund balance in the Asset Forfeiture Fund in the Police Department budget for this purpose.
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BACKGROUND:
The current department-issued Conducted Electrical Weapon (CEW) is the Axon Taser model X26P. The X26P was purchased seven years ago and came with a one-year service warranty. The expected service-life is five years from date of purchase. Recently, the Department has had an increase in inoperable X26Ps that cannot be serviced by Axon. There are no other vendors who service the X26P.
The Axon Taser model X26P should be replaced as soon as possible to ensure officers have the proper tools to effectively de-escalate volatile situations. CEWs have been used on multiple occasions to deescalate and resolve an issue when higher levels of force would have been legally justified. The purchase of a new CEW, such as the Axon Taser 7, will ensure officers are equipped to meet the challenges of modern policing with this up-to-date technology.
ANALYSIS:
The Training Bureau evaluated various less-lethal tools available to law enforcement to identify the best options. These tools reduce litigation, officer and suspect injuries, and workers’ compensation claims. After evaluating different tools, to include the Bolawrap and the Axon Taser X2, the committee recommended the Axon Taser T7.
The T7 has increased accuracy and is also equipped with an ARC feature that provides officers the ability to warn suspects prior to deployment, aiding in de-escalation efforts. The T7 has an automatic cutoff and will not continue to cycle, even if the officer continues to hold down the trigger. This safety feature helps prevent excessive force.
The Police Department anticipates the Taser 7’s enhanced features and documentation capability will complement the Police Department’s de-escalation training and ultimately decrease injuries and the City’s liability related to use of force incidents.
T7 batteries are also rechargeable and will save the City money by eliminating the cost of replacement/non-chargeable batteries. The T7 has a five-year warranty including batteries.
Purchasing the Axon Taser T7 through-NPPGov meets all requirements set forth in the City of Costa Mesa’s Purchasing Policy and all requirements set forth by the State of California in regards to cooperative purchasing agreements. NPPGov serves public and non-profit markets as a cooperative purchasing organization providing access to agreements created through an RFP process. This process confirms the city still receives the lowest available pricing, and meets the competitive bid process requirements.
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council could decide not to authorize the purchase of the Axon Taser T7; however, the current system is at the end of its service life. Moreover, providing a less lethal alternative is an essential tool for de-escalation, reducing injuries for officers and suspects.
FISCAL REVIEW:
Subject to City Council approval, staff is recommending a budget adjustment appropriating $446,576 from the unassigned fund balance in the Asset Forfeiture Fund to the Police Department for this purpose.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed this report and approved it as to form.
CITY COUNCIL GOALS AND PRIORITIES:
This item supports the City Council Goals:
• Strengthen the public’s safety and improve the quality of life.
• Achieve long-term fiscal sustainability.
CONCLUSION:
Staff recommends City Council:
1. Authorize the use of NPPCGov Contract (League of Oregon Cities) NO. PS20270 with Axon Enterprise, Inc. for the purchase of Axon Tasers T7.
2. Authorize the City Manager to purchase the Axon Tasers T7 replacing the current and outdated Axon Tasers for $446,576 and execute any necessary documents in connection with such purchase, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
3. Authorize a budget adjustment appropriating $446,576 from the unassigned fund balance in the Asset Forfeiture Fund in the Police Department budget for this purpose.