TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Kris Keeley, Public Defender
REPORT BY: Jessica Calderon-Carlin, Legal Office Manager
SUBJECT: Agreement No. 270108B with Axon Enterprises, Inc.
RECOMMENDATION
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Approve and authorize Agreement No. 270108B with Axon Enterprise, Inc., for a cloud based Digital Evidence System for a ten-year term with annual price escalators; and approval of a waiver of competitive bidding requirements and sole source award. (Fiscal Impact: $52,558 Expense; General Fund; Budgeted; Discretionary)
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BACKGROUND
Axon Enterprise, Inc. (Axon), an Arizona corporation, provides Justice Premier, a cloud-based Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS) that enables the secure receipt, storage, and sharing of discovery and other case related items for criminal cases. Through this system, law enforcement agencies submit digital evidence directly to the District Attorney’s Office who then provides discovery to the defense.
In April 2023, Napa County Information Technology Services entered into an agreement with Axon on behalf of the District Attorney’s Office to streamline and centralize digital evidence storage using Axon’s Evidence.com platform. The Napa County Sheriff’s Office also utilizes Axon services, and Axon remains the only solution that provides countywide access to digital evidence uploaded by county law enforcement agencies. Based on this exclusivity and Axon’s existing contracts with county law enforcement partners, Axon qualifies as a sole source provider.
The Axon Justice Premier software offers several enhanced features that will provide the Public Defender’s Office with the same access that the District Attorney’s Office’s has concerning digital evidence, including:
- Pro licenses for all Department staff (currently limited in number)
- Multi-camera video playback
- Axon transcription assistant tools
- Ability to play third-party video formats directly from Evidence.com
- Automated redaction tools
- Axon Citizen, enabling staff to receive files directly through a secure upload link
- Advanced discovery tools supporting full Brady disclosure compliance
- Unlimited secure cloud storage for attorneys and investigators
Six law enforcement agencies in Napa County and the District Attorney’s Office currently use Axon. Adoption of Axon Justice Premier by the Public Defender’s Office will permit the same access to discovery and digital files that the District Attorney’s Office currently has which will significantly reduce time previously required to deliver and access evidence through paper reports, files, flash drives, CDs, DVDs, and email.
Justice Premier provides standardized file formats, tools to trim audio and video for efficient review, time-stamped metrics, tagging for relevant incident segments, and automated redaction of faces and license plates. The system can also generate transcriptions of interviews, 911 calls, and jail calls, and includes tools to improve audio and image clarity. Unlimited cloud storage ensures long-term retention of case files and consistent access even as attorney assignments change. Justice Premier maintains a complete chain of custody from the time evidence is received, reducing risks related to misplaced evidence, or undocumented edits. Original file formats remain intact, with all enhancements performed on copies.
Axon meets all FBI Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) and California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System security requirements, including U.S. based storage, controlled access, and protections against data breaches. The system provides 24/7 technical support, controlled evidence access, and the ability to recover deleted files within seven days. It supports most standard file types without requiring proprietary formats, offering reliable, secure digital evidence infrastructure for the County.
This agreement is for ten-years with annual cost increases. The first year the agreement will cost approximately $52,558.00.
Requested Action:
1. Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement No. 270108B with Axon Enterprises Inc. in the total amount of $548,460.00 for the term of August 1, 2026 through to July 31, 2035 for a subscription to the Axon Justice Premier Digital Evidence System (DEMS) including software licenses; and
2. Approve a waiver of competitive bidding and sole source award to Axon Enterprises Inc. of Scottsdale, Arizona.
FISCAL IMPACT
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Is there a Fiscal Impact? |
Yes |
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Is it currently budgeted? |
Yes |
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Where is it budgeted? |
Public Defender’s Budget 1000-1320000 |
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Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? |
Discretionary |
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Discretionary Justification: |
This agreement with Axon Enterprises streamlines the Public Defender’s discovery intake and review. Its advanced tools including automated transcription, redaction, and unlimited cloud storage will improve efficiency, accuracy, and timely processing for court hearing. |
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Is the general fund affected? |
Yes |
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Future fiscal impact: |
The total cost of the agreement over 10 years is $548,460. The cost for FY 2025-26 is $52,558. Future payments will be budgeted accordingly in future fiscal years. |
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Consequences if not approved: |
If not approved, the Public Defender’s office will continue to rely on external transcription/translation services and require additional time to sort through digital data relating to cases. |
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Additional Information: |
Strategic Initiative: Elevate County Service and Workforce Excellence |
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The proposed action is not a project as defined by 14 California Code of Regulations 15378 (State CEQA Guidelines) and therefore CEQA is not applicable.