Bedford Development News

Bedford City Council Approves Major Technology Upgrade for Police Department

The Bedford City Council considered and unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the city manager to negotiate and execute agreements for the purchase of a comprehensive suite of police equipment from Axon Enterprises. This includes body-worn cameras, fleet in-car cameras, tasers, automated license plate reader systems, and associated hardware and software. The total cost over a 120-month period is $5,323,195.08. The approved plan involves a 10-year agreement with a bundled price, offering significant savings compared to purchasing items individually. The new equipment aims to enhance officer safety, improve situational awareness, increase efficiency through AI-powered tools like automated report writing and transcription, and foster community trust through transparent policing practices. The agreement includes a non-appropriations clause, allowing the council to reconsider funding during the budget process.