The Novato City Council has authorized a significant upgrade for the Novato Police Department, approving a five-year contract worth $1.04 million with Axon Enterprise Inc. for enhanced technology services and software. This agreement marks a shift from previous arrangements that included a mix of individual contracts for various services, streamlining the department’s technology needs into a single, comprehensive package.
The new contract follows a prior agreement established in 2022, which totaled $763,534 for equipment and services, including Tasers, cloud storage, license plate readers, and body cameras. In addition, the city has maintained $75,800 in separate contracts for specific services like interviews and aerial imaging, all of which are set to expire between 2026 and 2028.
According to Police Chief Jim Naugle, continuing with the existing à la carte options would have resulted in a projected 23% cost increase next year. He recommended the bundled services offered by Axon as a more cost-effective and efficient alternative. The new agreement aims to reduce overall expenses while enhancing service delivery.
Comprehensive Upgrades for Enhanced Policing
The latest contract will provide the police department with vital upgrades, including new Tasers, virtual-reality training equipment, and advanced body cameras. Additional tools will include redaction software for public records and court requests, automatic video tagging software, and a public safety intelligence platform. Naugle highlighted that merging the previous contracts will enable the city to save on software upgrades, which are now incorporated into the comprehensive deal.
“The software upgrades are valuable tools capable of reducing staff time and greatly improving service delivery to the community,” Naugle stated in a staff report presented to the council.
The first year of the contract will cost approximately $121,000, which is accommodated within the current fiscal-year budget. Future budgets will need to account for around $224,000 annually. This investment aligns with the city’s broader goals, as outlined in the 2025-26 budget of $57.7 million, which allocates $21 million specifically for police services.
City Council Members Emphasize Importance of Technology
Councilmember Pat Eklund expressed the necessity of equipping the police department with modern tools to effectively serve the community. “It’s very important for our police department to have the tools that they need to be able to do their jobs,” Eklund remarked. “Technology is advancing so quickly these days; we needed to purchase all that material, supplies, and everything so they could have state-of-the-art computer systems.”
The city’s decision to partner with Axon, headquartered in Scottsville, Arizona, reflects an ongoing commitment to leveraging advanced technology in law enforcement. This strategic move not only aims to enhance the operational efficiency of the Novato Police Department but also reinforces its dedication to community safety and service excellence.
