BE IT RESOLVED, that Agreement PR00001472 with Axon Enterprise, Inc. to provide body worn cameras, conducted energy weapons, and video software solutions during the period October 8, 2019 through December 31, 2024, with the amount not to exceed $5,061,781.36 be approved; that the Chair of the Board be authorized to sign the agreement on behalf of the County; and that the Controller be authorized to disburse funds as directed.

In an effort to enhance accountability and public trust, the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) and the Department of Community Corrections and Rehabilitation (DOCCR) are pursuing approval for the use and management of Body Worn Cameras (BWC). BWCs provide transparency related to contact with the public. Implementing BWC equipment will:

• Preserve evidence of public safety personnel interaction with citizens

• Capture digital audio and video evidence for criminal, civil and traffic-related court cases

• Enhance safety of public safety personnel and the public

• Serve as a training tool for public safety personnel to enhance safety and inform best practices

The County leveraged an existing State Contract to negotiate a five-year proposed program that includes: BWCs, upgraded equipment and data storage.

Phase one of the program will include outfitting HCSO licensed and volunteer deputies covering patrol, warrants, water patrol, hospital security, transport, crime scene investigations, emergency services unit, and their associated supervisors. 

Phase two of the program will include outfitting the rest of the HCSO agency through discussions with the Fourth Judicial District to discuss the impact on court procedures. The rollout will include both courts and detention. 

DOCCR will implement 150 units for Corrections Officers and Supervisors in the men’s and women’s segregation and housing units, and common areas (such as programs and services and dining).

2019 funds are included in the current 2019 HCSO operating budget, and 2020 funding is included in the proposed operating budget. DOCCR will absorb the program costs for 2020 within the existing proposed operating budget. Expected costs for the first five years of the program are as follows:

Pursuant to Minn. Stat § 13.825, procedures for the use and management of BWC equipment, and the access, retention, storage and retrieval of recorded media captured by BWC equipment are documented in the Portable Recording System Policy and the Records Management Retention Schedule of the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office. BWC system data shall be maintained in accordance with applicable law, this policy, and the Office’s records management retention schedule.

The Portable Recording System Policy is published and accessible to the public via www.hennepinsheriff.org.