Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Carlos G. Bolanos, Sheriff
Subject: Agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc.
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution:
A) Waiving the request for proposal process and authorizing an agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc. to provide 310 model 7 Tasers for a five-year term from May 1, 2020 through June 30, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $922,110.83; and
B) Authorizing the Sheriff, or his designee to execute contract amendments and change orders which modify the County's maximum fiscal obligation by not more than $25,000 (in aggregate), and/or modify the contract term and/or services so long as the modified term or services is/are within the current or revised fiscal provisions.
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BACKGROUND:
The Sheriff’s Office is committed to utilizing the latest technology and training methods to increase public safety. Over the last year, the Sheriff’s Office has taken steps to better protect both our deputies and the public we serve. In November of 2019, the Sheriff’s Office deployed automated external defibrillators in every patrol vehicle and provided lifesaving training to every Deputy Sheriff. The Sheriff’s Office is also in the process of removing all shotguns from its vehicles and replacing them with a less-lethal alternative.
The Sheriff’s Office currently utilizes both the X26 and X26P model Tasers. The majority of these Tasers were purchased fifteen years ago and are no longer supported by Axon. The Sheriff’s Office is seeking to replace all of the existing Tasers with model 7 Tasers. The Taser 7 has been completely redesigned, improving its effectiveness while incorporating additional safety and accountability features. Replacing the Tasers with the model 7 Tasers will further contribute to protecting our deputies and the public we serve.
DISCUSSION:
The redesigned Taser 7 includes several new safety features. These features include operating for a maximum of five second intervals and the ability to be spark tested without having to remove the cartridge. The latter feature can be used as a deterrent to deescalate volatile situations without firing the probes.
In addition, the redesigned Taser 7 is compatible with the Sheriff’s Office’s body-worn cameras and in-car video system. When deployed, the Taser 7 will automatically activate the cameras. The Taser 7 is also completely integrated with evidence.com (our current cloud-based evidence system). This feature will make it easier for the Sheriff’s Office to store and share accurate information with the District Attorney’s Office as well as the community.
Axon is the only company that currently offers the model 7 Tasers. Therefore, it is in the best interest of the County to waive the Request for Proposals process and enter into a contract with Axon on the basis of being a sole source provider.
Under the agreement with Axon, the Sheriff’s Office will acquire the model 7 Tasers to equip each Deputy Sheriff and Sheriff’s Sergeant. The purchase includes a virtual reality training system to help deputies better interact with the public and understand how and why people might react negatively in certain situations. Taser uses a variety of scenarios including de-escalation tactics. Taser scenario-based training suits utilize a hook and loop design and simulation probes to give deputies a hands-on and realistic learning environment.
The Sheriff’s Office has in place policies and procedures regarding the use of the Taser and staff will be fully trained in the use of the new devices in advance of implementation.
There are currently more than 50,000 model 7 Tasers in the field being used by law enforcement agencies around the world. The model 7 Tasers have successfully been tested and are being used in large metropolitan law enforcement agencies including Atlanta PD, Chicago PD, Dallas Fort Worth PD, LAPD, and Honolulu PD.
County Counsel and the Information Services Department (ISD) have reviewed and approved the agreement and Resolution as to form.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Agreement is for a five-year term commencing May 1, 2020 through June 30, 2025 for an amount not to exceed $922,110.83. The cost of these services is shared between the Sheriff’s Office (40%) and the County Manager’s Office (60%).