Editor's note: This article was changed to better reflect information on the agreement between the City of College Station and Axon.
College Station City Council is set to review and decide June 25 on an order for new body cameras, Tasers, digital storage and associated reporting systems for its police department.
According to agenda material, the council is deciding whether to go forth with a new order of equipment from Axon Enterprise Inc., an Arizona-based public safety technologies company. The agenda also includes hearings on various construction projects and purchases throughout the city.
What’s happening?
While the city of College Station has not made any recent decisions on body cameras, it approved a grant application for Flock AI cameras in April. According to previous reporting by Community Impact, the council approved the use of the cameras despite community pushback against the use of AI-based security software.
According to Axon’s website, the company uses AI technology to “make public safety faster, smarter and more effective.” Axon also states that its AI solutions “boost efficiency, speed up decision-making, and make your job easier, all while keeping you ahead of emerging public safety challenges and threats.”
Other Texas cities have been seeking body camera upgrades, such as Manvel.
Items worth mentioning
Before the open meeting, the council will discuss the following in executive session:
- Consultation for litigation in these lawsuits:
- Economic agreement between real estate purchases and the College Station Town Center
- The possible purchase of 8 acres at 1508 Harvey Road and 28 acres at Midtown Drive and Corporate Parkway in the Midtown Business Park for property in the area
- The deliberation of the city manager and a council self-evaluation
Along with the potential agreement for new public safety equipment during the consent agenda, the council will decide on:
- A contract between the city and Larry Young Paving for two new traffic signals on Barron and Decatur, estimated to cost $372,872
- The annual purchase of polymers from SNF Water Science Polydyne Inc., with an estimated cost of $315,000
The council will hear about three items during the workshop and the regular agendas:
- Updates and possible actions regarding Capital Improvement Projects
- Updates and possible actions regarding the Greater Northgate Small Area Plan
Get involved
College Station City Council will meet at 6 p.m. June 25 at City Hall, 1101 Texas Ave.
