Fargo Police Department Proposes $13.4 Million Tech Upgrade

Key Takeaways

• The Fargo Police Department is requesting a $13.4 million technology contract with Axon Enterprises Inc.
• The 10-year deal would bring drones and virtual reality training to the department, as well as renew body-worn cameras, in-car video systems, and Tasers.
• The "Drone as First Responder" program would allow drones to arrive at emergency scenes before officers, providing live video feeds to dispatchers and responding officers.
• The contract would also include virtual reality training systems for de-escalation techniques and mental health crisis scenarios.
• The new contract would save an estimated $8.6 million over 10 years, with funding coming from the city’s Public Safety Sales Tax and the police department’s operating budget.

Introduction to the Contract
The Fargo Police Department is seeking approval from city commissioners for a $13.4 million technology contract with Axon Enterprises Inc. This 10-year deal would not only renew the department’s existing body-worn cameras, in-car video systems, and Tasers but also introduce new capabilities, including drones and virtual reality training. The contract aims to improve officer safety and enhance the department’s response to emergency situations. With the integration of drones and virtual reality training, the police department hopes to stay ahead of the curve in terms of technology and provide its officers with the best possible tools to perform their duties effectively.

The "Drone as First Responder" Program
One of the key features of the contract is the "Drone as First Responder" program. Under this program, drones would be deployed to emergency scenes, arriving minutes before officers. These drones would provide live video feeds to dispatchers and responding officers, giving them a valuable aerial view of the situation before they arrive. According to Police Chief David Zibolski, this would significantly improve officer safety by allowing them to plan their approach and avoid potential dangers. By having a bird’s-eye view of the situation, officers can assess the scene and make informed decisions about how to proceed, reducing the risk of injury or harm to themselves and others.

Virtual Reality Training
In addition to the drone program, the contract would also include virtual reality training systems. These systems would enable officers to practice de-escalation techniques and respond to mental health crisis scenarios in a simulated environment. This would allow officers to hone their skills without the risks associated with real-world training. The virtual reality training would provide a safe and controlled environment for officers to learn and improve, reducing the risk of injury or harm to themselves or others. By investing in virtual reality training, the police department is demonstrating its commitment to providing its officers with the best possible training and resources to perform their duties effectively.

Background and Funding
The Fargo Police Department originally implemented Axon’s body cameras in June 2021 using $3 million in CARES funding. The new contract would lock in current pricing through 2035, resulting in an estimated savings of $8.6 million over the 10-year period. The funding for the contract would come from the city’s Public Safety Sales Tax and the police department’s operating budget. By investing in this technology, the city is demonstrating its commitment to public safety and its willingness to invest in the latest technology to support its police department. The contract is set to be discussed during the city council meeting, where commissioners will have the opportunity to review and approve the proposal.

Conclusion and Next Steps
In conclusion, the Fargo Police Department’s proposed $13.4 million technology contract with Axon Enterprises Inc. has the potential to significantly enhance the department’s capabilities and improve officer safety. The introduction of drones and virtual reality training would provide officers with the latest technology and training tools, enabling them to respond to emergency situations more effectively. With the contract set to be discussed during the city council meeting, it will be interesting to see how the proposal is received and whether it is approved. If approved, the contract would be a significant investment in the city’s public safety and would demonstrate the city’s commitment to providing its police department with the best possible resources to perform their duties.