McLean County Times

The Bloomington City Council has moved to end a current agreement with Axon Enterprises and enter into a new one with the company to better equip the police department with much-needed technology.

Prior to the decision, the department was operating under two separate Axon contracts, one for body cameras the other for Tasers.

"Combining the contracts, since city manager ties reference to Tasers actually expired as far as the warranty on them at the end for this last September," Assistant Police Chief Kenneth Bays said during an Oct. 24 City Council meeting. "Then, the concern is raised about being able to rely on that to be effective and not require an escalation of force due to their failure in the field. So, it's very important for us that we have the current technology and reliable products in the hands of our officers out there."

Kenneth Bays, Bloomington assistant chief of police | City of Bloomington - Police/Facebook

The City Council voted to end the contract with Axon for body cameras early and consolidate the agreement with a new contract for combined services.

The new contract includes body cameras, in-car camera systems, interview room systems, Tasers and a membership to evidence.com. It would cost the City approximately $145,000 more than the previous contract, but it also includes Tasers for the entire department, extra cameras and improved systems.

Bays also noted that the new agreement increases the department's data-sharing capabilities and storage efficiency. The price would be locked in for the duration of the five-year contract. The department has been happy with Axon for the five years it has used the company and would be pleased to be able to expand their working relationship.