JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
The Board of Mayor & Commissioners for South Pittsburg have recently approved to renew a contract with Axon, a major manufacturer of various police equipment and software.
It was explained during the meeting that the contract with Axon regarded switching out equipment for the town’s police department. Equipment consists of body cameras, CCTV cameras, and tasers for officers to use. Police Chief Wayne Jordan explained each piece of equipment retains a five-year lifespan, with the equipment being replaced at the midpoint of each contract with the company. The previous contract lasted for five years, and Jordan noted the new contract will differ in several ways compared to the previous one. He stated Axon is willing to cut a similar deal for the department in terms of providing them with the newest equipment produced throughout five years, in addition to adding an extra body camera and taser to the department’s inventory.
“At the two and a half year mark, we’re going to get another upgrade, and it’ll be a free upgrade just like our last one was,” added Jordan.
City Administrator Michael Hudson also added if the contract is approved, current prices for the newest equipment will be locked in for the next five years, meaning the price quoted on the contract will remain unchanged. Costs of payments during the five year time span is $35,964, with the first payment of $6,791 due in December. All remaining payments afterwards will be $7,293 during each year.
The board agreed to approve the five-year contract with Axon, with Chief Jordan and other officers to continue receiving the newest equipment in law enforcement operations from the company.