25H - AXON ENTERPRISES TASER EQUIPMENT

Home Browse Search

REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: DECEMBER 17, 2019 TITLE: APPROVE A FIVE-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH AXON ENTERPRISE, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,272,036.01 TO PROVIDE TASER 7 EQUIPMENT TO THE SANTA ANA POLICE DEPARTMENT {STRATEGIC PLAN NO. 1, 51 /s/Kristine Ridge CITY MANAGER CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY: APPROVED ❑ As Recommended ❑ As Amended ❑ Ordinance on 111 Reading ❑ Ordinance on 2ntl Reading ❑ Implementing Resolution ❑ Set Public Hearing For_ CONTINUED TO 1�1��►U1�1:3q;7 RECOMMENDED ACTION Authorize the City Manager to execute a five-year agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc. to provide Taser 7 equipment to the Santa Ana Police Department, for the period of December 17, 2019, through December 16, 2024, in the amount of $1,272,036.01, subject to non -substantive changes approved by the City Manager and City Attorney. DISCUSSION The Santa Ana Police Department currently uses models X-26 and X-26P Taser equipment developed and distributed by Axon Enterprise, Inc. This equipment provides law enforcement personnel with a less -lethal enforcement alternative with a reduced risk of injury to officers and suspects. Approximately 400 of these Taser units have reached the end of their useful life and are scheduled for replacement. While researching alternatives, the Police Department Training Division identified the Taser 7 as the most viable replacement option. Approval of this contract will increase the Police Department's General Fund budgeted allocation, beginning in Fiscal Year 2020-21 through Fiscal Year 2023-24. It is anticipated utilization of this equipment will reduce liability claims and thus funding for the current year (Fiscal Year 2019-20) will be made by the Liability Fund. The Taser 7 provides several enhanced features that are not available on the current X-26 and X- 26P models, such as improved dart design and laser aiming that offers better accuracy and improved penetration through thick clothing. Taser 7 is equipped with an ARC feature that provides officers with the ability to warn suspects before deployment, aiding in de-escalation efforts. With the addition of these enhanced features, Axon anticipates an increase in Taser deployment effectiveness from 54 percent to 75 percent. In addition to the mechanical improvements over the X-26 and X-26P, the Taser 7 provides improved deployment documentation by interfacing with computer software already employed by the Police Department's body -worn camera program. The Police Department and the Human Resources Risk Management Division anticipate the Taser 7's enhanced features and documentation capability will complement the Police Department's de- escalation training and ultimately decrease the City's liability exposure related to use of force 25H-1