On September 14, the Fort Pierce City Commission unanimously approved a five‑year contract with Axon Enterprise, Inc., a Scottsdale, Arizona‑based provider of law‑enforcement technology. The agreement, valued at $10,139,037.87, will equip the Fort Pierce Police Department with next‑generation body‑worn cameras, stun guns (also known as tasers), and artificial‑intelligence tools that translate languages in real time and automatically redact sensitive personal information from police reports.
Why the upgrade matters
Police Chief David M. Smith explained that the current Axon cameras have reached the end of their service life and need replacement. He described the new package as Axon’s “top‑tier” offering, noting that the built‑in AI translation feature allows officers to communicate instantly with non‑English speakers, while the automated redaction capability protects private data such as Social Security numbers from public release.
“It will absolutely be a force multiplier for us,” Chief Smith said, emphasizing how the technology will improve both officer safety and community interactions.
Financial details
The contract runs for an initial five‑year term with an optional automatic renewal for another five years. During the first five years, the city will make annual payments of $999,000. If the renewal option is exercised, the annual payment would increase to $1,028,807.57 for the second five‑year period.
Local impact
City officials highlighted that the investment aligns with Fort Pierce’s broader public‑safety strategy, ensuring that officers have modern tools to serve the community effectively. By adopting AI‑driven translation, the department aims to reduce language barriers that can hinder investigations and everyday interactions.
The commission’s unanimous vote reflects strong local support for equipping law‑enforcement with technology that upholds public safety while respecting privacy.
Next steps
Axon will begin delivery and installation of the new equipment shortly, with training sessions scheduled for officers to become proficient in the new systems. The city will monitor the technology’s performance and report on its impact on response times, community trust, and administrative efficiency.
Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.
