TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Philippe Eskandar, City Manager
BY: John Incontro, Police Chief
Naved Qureshi, Commander
DATE: September 10, 2025
SUBJECT: AUTHORIZATION FOR PURCHASE OF TASER DEVICE
REPLACEMENT PROGRAM
STRATEGIC PLAN CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS
Efficient, Responsive, and Effective City Services
Safe Community
Fiscally Responsible and Transparent City Government
BACKGROUND
In the early 1990s, Tom and Rick Smith developed the first Air TASER to reduce fatalities resulting from violent confrontations. Designed as a nonlethal intermediate weapon, the Air TASER quickly evolved, and by 1999, law enforcement agencies across the country began equipping their officers with TASER devices.
Approximately 15 years ago, the San Marino Police Department implemented its Conducted Energy Weapon (CEW) program by initially deploying the TASER X26 to officers. The TASER program was established to provide a non-lethal force option for officers dealing with combative, violent, or aggressive individuals—enhancing officer safety while reducing the likelihood of injury to suspects and the public.
As technology advanced, the Department transitioned from the TASER X26 to the improved TASER X26P model. The X26P offered enhanced ergonomics, improved safety features, enhanced battery, and greater durability, continuing the Department’s commitment to effective and responsible use-offorce tools.
Gretchen Shepherd Romey, Mayor
Tony Chou, Vice Mayor
Hunter Chang, Council Member
John Chou, Council Member
Calvin Lo, Council Member
In January 2023, AXON TASER released the TASER 10, marking a significant technological leap forward from the X26P. TASER 10 introduces several critical enhancements, including a longer range of up to 45 feet, individual probe deployment, and a 10-probe cartridge—greatly improving reliability, accuracy, and tactical versatility. Additionally, the TASER 10 is designed with advanced de-escalation capabilities and places a stronger emphasis on neuromuscular incapacitation (NMI) rather than localized pain compliance, aligning with contemporary best practices in law enforcement.
To ensure officers are equipped with the most effective and up-to-date tools for safely managing high-risk encounters, the Department is now requesting authorization to replace its existing inventory of TASER X26P devices with the TASER 10 system.
The old tasers will be donated to another agency in California.
DISCUSSION
The TASER 10 purchase proposal includes a comprehensive bundle designed to support both the deployment and ongoing management of the Conducted Energy Weapon (CEW) program. Each TASER 10 unit comes with a five-year (5) warranty, providing extended coverage for manufacturer defects and ensuring the reliability and serviceability of the equipment throughout its expected operational life.
To support officer readiness and ongoing proficiency, the bundle includes battery packs, a supply of both training and duty cartridges, and on-site instruction conducted by certified Axon trainers. This hands-on training ensures that all officers are properly trained in the safe, effective use of the TASER 10 and are familiar with its enhanced features compared to the previous X26P model.
Additionally, the package includes a license for Axon’s Evidence.com platform, enabling secure, cloud-based storage and management of TASER-related data. This integration promotes transparency and accountability by automatically documenting device usage and allowing for efficient review and reporting when needed.
By investing in this bundled solution, the Department is not only acquiring updated, more capable equipment but also ensuring that officers are wellsupported with training, warranty coverage, and digital tools that align with modern law enforcement standards.
FISCAL IMPACT & PROCUREMENT REVIEW
The procurement model proposed by staff for the TASER replacement program will allow the City to acquire all the TASER devices in year one (1), while spreading the payments out over a five-year (5) term. During the FY25-26 budget process, the Council approved a capital budget request to participate in this program to purchase 37 TASERs.
This purchase is being funded through restricted COPS funds and will not have an impact on the General Fund. The cost of 37 new TASERs, including equipment and warranty, is currently at a discounted rate of $28,603.99 for year one (1). The cost for the first year of this agreement was included in the FY25-26 budget, so no further funds for year one (1) need to be appropriated.
However, the remaining amount of $28,339.94 needs to be appropriated for years two through five (2-5) as part of each budget year process.
This contract is in accordance with SMCC 02.06.05 B. 2 as the best interests of the City are served by dispensing with competitive bidding for this contract.
This is because the Police Department’s non-lethal intermediate weapons are best provided by AXON due to consistency, service, and functionality with other equipment used by the Police Department. The City has been purchasing TASER devices and equipment from AXON for many years. It should be noted that AXON has provided very satisfactory equipment in the past, is responsive to the Police Department requests, and has warrantied the products they provide the City.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney's office has reviewed and approved as to form.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends City Council approve the TASER replacement program, as included in the FY 2025-26 Budget. If the City Council concurs with staff’s recommendation, an appropriate motion would be:
“I move to approve the purchase of 37 new TASER 10 replacement devices as budgeted in Account #233-30-4613-0555 and authorize the City Manager to sign the necessary agreements.”
ATTACHMENTS
1. Axon Enterprise, Inc. TASER 10 Quote
2. Axon Sole Source Letter