For years, police technology firm Axon Enterprises has been dogged by accusations that it’s attempting to unfairly corner the market on Tasers and body-worn cameras for law enforcement.
Despite some hand wringing, the San Jose City Council voted unanimously Tuesday, with Vice Mayor Pam Foley absent, to approve a new, expanded contract with the firm to provide the technologies to the San Jose Police Department. The city extended the existing contract, portions of which were set to expire in December, through June 2031. The decision also increases the city’s payments to Axon over a five-year period beginning July 2026 by about $9.3 million to a total estimated cost of $17.4 million.
Prior to Tuesday’s vote, city officials raised concerns over allowing one vendor to control such a broad swath of products and services. They warned the firm’s extensive leverage could allow it to raise prices even further during future contract negotiations…