Title
Probation Department recommending the Board:
1) Make findings in accordance with El Dorado County Ordinance Code, Chapter 3.13.030 (B) that specialty skills and qualifications not expressly identified in County classifications are involved in the performance of the work;
2) Make findings that in accordance with Procurement Policy C-17 Section 3.4(2)(a) that the procurement for goods and services are of a technological, specialized, unique character; and
3) Authorize the Purchasing Agent to issue Purchase Contract 8059 with Axon Enterprise Inc. (Axon) for Taser 10 Conducted Energy Weapons (CEWs), body worn cameras, associated equipment, training, and software licenses in the amount of $824,704 for the period of January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2029.
FUNDING: General Fund.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The Probation Department (Probation) has been using Taser products provided by Axon (previously Taser International) since 2011.
Probation is requesting to purchase 60 Taser and body worn camera bundles from Axon via Purchase Contract 8059 in the amount of $824,704, which includes a five-year payment plan. The complete purchase includes the following:
-(60) Taser 10 CEW Certification Bundle with Virtual Reality (VR) capability + accessories
-(60) Body Worn Cameras + accessories
-Unlimited cloud storage for videos generated on the 60 cameras
-Hardware warranties on Taser, cameras, and docks
-Technology Assurance Plan (TAP)
-User and performance licenses
-Training for Taser Master Instructor School and Taser Instructor Course
Probation currently uses Taser model X2. Axon has stopped manufacturing the X2 and support will eventually be discontinued. Advancements with the Taser 10 CEW model include individually targeted probes and increased range. The Taser 10 CEW Certification Bundle consists of Live Cartridge Duty Replacement Program, training cartridges, holsters, rechargeable batteries, instructor training, and end-user training. New VR training prepares officers for complex, real-world situations through immersive training that enhances performance, critical thinking, and de-escalation skills.
The body worn cameras will be used by Probation Officers who are in the field. Body worn cameras and other audio/video field recording technologies have proven to increase transparency and credibility as well as reduce false citizen complaints and liability.
Evidence, records, and program management tools will be enhanced through Axon Evidence, which makes it easy to manage, store, review, and share data while maintaining security and chain of custody; and Redaction Assistant, which will decrease redaction work significantly by automatically detecting and tracking screens, license plates, and faces in a video.
The County has been utilizing body worn cameras since 2022, when the Board of Supervisors approved Legistar Item 22-0171 on March 8, 2022, allowing the Sheriff’s Office to purchase body worn cameras.
On April 19, 2022, the Board of Supervisors approved Legistar Item 22-0556, as presented by the District Attorney, to purchase body worn camera bundles, accessories, and licensing through Axon, similar to the purchase presented in this item.
ALTERNATIVES
Should the Board opt not to approve the Purchasing Agent to issue Purchase Contract 8059, Probation may incur higher costs as a result of proceeding with other means of body worn camera procurement.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
04/19/2022 Legistar Item 22-0556
03/08/2022 Legistar Item 22-0171
03/23/2021 Legistar Item 21-0422
08/23/2011 Legistar Item 11-0945
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
Procurement & Contracts and County Counsel
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The total quoted cost of the Taser and body worn camera bundles for Probation is $824,704 over the five-year period. The payment will be split over the five-year period, with the department incurring approximately $171,660 in the first year of the contract, and approximately $163,261 per year in years two through five of the contact. FY 2023-24 costs are included in Probation’s budget, and subsequent contract years’ costs will be included in Probation’s proposed budgets.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Public Safety
CONTACT
Jackie S. Cook, Administrative Analyst, x5588