SALINA, Kan. — The Salina City Commission voted unanimously 5–0 to approve a new consolidated contract with Axon Enterprise, Inc. that will streamline the city’s police video and Taser systems while saving nearly $95,500 over five years.
Support Division Commander David Villanueva presented the proposal Monday, explaining that the Salina Police Department currently holds four separate contracts with Axon — covering body-worn cameras, in-dash cameras, interview room video, and Taser 7 electronic control weapons. The consolidation approved by commissioners merges the in-dash camera and interview room systems into one agreement, reducing administrative costs and generating annual savings of $19,099.42.
The total five-year contract value is $275,976.45.
Villanueva noted that the new contract will upgrade in-car cameras from Fleet 2 to Fleet 3 systems. The updated cameras provide higher definition recording and a live-view capability that allows dispatchers and supervisors to monitor traffic stops and incidents in real time. This complements body-worn cameras and provides additional coverage if an officer’s wearable device is obstructed or dislodged.
The upgrades will also improve monitoring of detainees in patrol cars, capturing evidence of behavior such as attempts to hide contraband or tamper with restraints. “It kind of protects and insulates the department from many accusations of impropriety, plus we also have evidence if they do try to shed something,” Villanueva said.
Interview room systems will also be modernized. Current push-button controls require staff to manually tag video files later. The new system allows tagging at the time of recording, reducing workload and improving accuracy.
Villanueva credited Captain Larson with negotiating concessions from Axon to secure the cost savings. He also highlighted the contract’s Technology Assurance Program, which ensures that any future upgrades to Axon’s technology during the five-year term will be provided at no additional cost.
Commissioners voiced support for the improvements, with some recalling the challenges of older VHS-based systems. “That’s tremendous. I remember the days of the VHS tape and the trunk vault,” one commissioner remarked.
After discussion, the commission voted 5–0 to authorize the city manager to execute the contract.
