Police Department
www.santa-ana.org/police
Item # 17
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Staff Report
October 1, 2024
TOPIC: Taser 10 Equipment
AGENDA TITLE
Approve Agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc. for Taser Equipment (General Fund and Non-General Fund)
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc. for the provision of Taser 10 equipment to the Santa Ana Police Department for a five year period beginning December 15, 2024 to December 14, 2029, in an amount not to exceed $1,963,569 (Agreement No. A-2024-XXX).
GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES: Yes
DISCUSSION
On December 17, 2019, the City Council authorized a five-year agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc. (Axon) for the purchase of the Taser 7 model equipment for the Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD) to provide police officers with a less-lethal enforcement option that minimizes the risk of harm to both officers and suspects. Prior to this contract, the police officers were using the older X-26 and X-26P models.
As the end of the five-year period nears, approximately 400 of the Taser 7 models have reached their operational lifespan and are due for replacement. Upon expiration of the current agreement on December 16, 2024, the Taser 7 will no longer be under warranty and SAPD would be fully responsible for all liabilities resulting from the continued use of the Taser 7 model. Hence, the Police Department conducted research and identified the Taser 10 as the most suitable successor.
The Taser 10 has several enhancements that surpass the capabilities of the Taser 7 models. The enhancements include an improved dart design which provides a higher likelihood of achieving temporary neuromuscular incapacitation when deployed.
Additionally, the laser aiming system for Taser 10 provides superior accuracy and effectiveness through thick clothing. The Taser 10 also features an audible feature that
Taser 10 Equipment
October 1, 2024
4 5
7 4
allows officers to warn suspects before deployment, aiding in de-escalation efforts. With the Taser 10 enhancements, Axon anticipates an increase in overall Taser deployment effectiveness. Moreover, the Taser 10 offers enhanced deployment documentation by integrating with the Police Department's existing body-worn camera program software.
SAPD expects the Taser 10 advanced features and improved documentation capabilities will continue to complement the Department's de-escalation training and reduce the City's liability exposure in use-of-force incidents. Furthermore, the Police Department staff anticipates the enhanced features and effectiveness of the Taser 10 will provide an alternative to the number of use-of-force incidents requiring physical officer intervention, thereby reducing injury to both the officers and the suspects.
As the sole manufacturer of Taser devices, Axon has been chosen following the completion of the Request for Exception to Competitive Bidding Process documentation. With decades of experience serving the law enforcement community, Axon enjoys a reputation for quality within the industry. The Police Department already has a separate agreement with Axon Enterprise for body-worn camera equipment and services, and the company has consistently demonstrated responsiveness and flexibility in fulfilling that agreement. Therefore, based on their track record and expertise, staff recommends the approval of this new agreement with Axon for Taser 10 equipment.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
There is no environmental impact associated with this action.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding is available in the FY 2024-25 budget and funding for subsequent fiscal years will be included in the proposed budgets for City Council consideration as follows:
Fiscal Year Accounting Unit –
Account No.
Fund
Description
Accounting Unit, Account
Description Amount
FY 24-25 01114410-62300 General FundTraining, Contract
Services-Professional $ 275,310
FY 24-25 12814407-62300
Law
Enforcement
Grants
SLESA, Contract
Services-Professional $ 114,649
FY 25-26 01114410-62300 General FundTraining, Contract
Services-Professional $ 275,310
FY 25-26 12814407-62300
Law
Enforcement
Grants
SLESA, Contract
Services-Professional $ 118,093
Taser 10 Equipment
October 1, 2024
4 5
7 4
FY 26-27 01114410-62300 General FundTraining, Contract
Services-Professional $ 275,310
FY 26-27 12814407-62300
Law
Enforcement
Grants
SLESA, Contract
Services-Professional $ 118,093
FY 26-27 01114410-62300 General FundTraining, Contract
Services-Professional $ 275,310
FY 26-27 12814407-62300
Law
Enforcement
Grants
SLESA, Contract
Services-Professional $ 118,092
FY 27-28 01114410-62300 General FundTraining, Contract
Services-Professional $ 275,310
FY 27-28 12814407-62300
Law
Enforcement
Grants
SLESA, Contract
Services-Professional $ 118,092
Total $1,963,569
*Note: Amount rounded up or down to nearest dollar to equal total amount of contract.
EXHIBIT(S)
1. Agreement with Axon
Submitted By: Robert Rodriguez, Acting Chief of Police
Approved By: Alvaro Nuñez, City Manager