RPD Technology Upgrades Can Enhance Safety, Efficiency

Two new technology programs can help improve public safety and enhance the Raleigh Police Department's ability to do its job. A new records management system will act as the department's central, digital memory. A taser upgrade can provide more de-escalation opportunities.

The department will also continue using Fusus, the platform for the ConnectRaleigh shared-camera program.

The Raleigh City Council on Tuesday authorized the City Manager to execute a contract for these upgrades. The 10-year contract is with Axon Enterprise, and the annual cost is $1.6 million.

Records management system

RPD will replace its Keystone records management system with Axon Records. The new system will bring several benefits. Those include more robust analytics and better workflows.

Taser program

The contract for RPD's current taser program, Taser 7, expires in October. The new Taser 10 allows for a 45-foot distance between a suspect and an officer. That can help with de-escalating a situation.

"I'm in favor of that additional distance and time for the officer to talk their way through a use of force situation instead of using the taser," said Police Chief Rico Boyce.

The new program also has better metrics and tracking capabilities than the old one.

Fusus/ConnectRaleigh

The Axon contract will enable RPD to continue using the platform for ConnectRaleigh. The program allows residents and businesses to register their surveillance cameras to help RPD.