Columbia Police Department is asking for the community’s feedback on renewal and upgrades to its Axon technology package.
The police department slowly introduced technology in stages. The department has been utilizing Axon Tasers since 2005.
In 2011, the police department began testing different cameras. Then, in 2012, the department bought 102 Taser AXON cameras for $100,000, and a few officers began wearing them in a pilot project.
Finally, in 2014, the police department distributed body cameras department-wide — all uniformed officers must wear them when on patrol and when they interact with the public. They have also been using Axon Evidence Management (Evidence.com) since 2014.
Columbia Police Department will be partnering with Axon representatives to give presentations on Axon Fleet 3, Axon Signal, Axon Body Worn Cameras and Axon Evidence Management.
According to a press release from Missouri Highway State Patrol, the Axon’s Fleet 3 will be able to assist officers in finding stolen vehicles, locating wanted suspects and improving overall law enforcement efficiency while maintaining a high standard of privacy, data protection and accountability through transparent comprehensive auditing.
Axon’s Fleet 3 would include in-car cameras with automated license plate recognition technology.
Axon Signal, another potential upgrade, enables automatic activation of Axon body worn cameras and in-car cameras in response to specific triggers such as drawing Tasers and handguns and activation of emergency lights or sirens.
Axon Signal aims to reduce the risk of missed recordings by ensuring that cameras start recording without requiring manual activation as well as improve officer accountability.
Finally, Axon’s Evidence Management system includes Auto-Tagging Technology which enhances digital evidence management and officer accountability by automatically applying metadata like case numbers, locations, and timestamps to recordings so they are properly retained.
The system aims to reduce manual data entry, minimize errors and ensure accurate, transparent documentation. It also will be beneficial by saving time and allowing the police department to strengthen public trust.
“Public safety is our number one priority, and we believe this technology will support that mission,” Police Chief Jill Schlude said. “With your feedback, we can ensure this technology effectively supports our efforts to keep our residents safe.”
The meetings will be held at the following times and locations:
- Saturday, March 8, from 10 a.m. to noon in Conference Rooms 1A/1B at City Hall, 701 E. Broadway
- Monday, March 10, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. at the Molly Thomas Bowden Neighborhood Policing Center, 1204 International Dr.
- Monday, March 10, from 6 to 8 p.m. in Conference Rooms 1A/1B at City Hall, 701 E. Broadway