Council approves grant-funded purchase of 15 TASER 10 units for police

A Police Department representative told council the department requested council approval to accept a grant from the Office of the Governor Criminal Justice Program to buy 15 Axon TASER 10 conducted-energy devices, virtual-reality training headsets, batteries and replacement cartridges.

The presenter said the total recommended equipment package costs $79,994 and that the grant would cover 100% of the project cost, "resulting in no financial impact to the city of Fredericksburg." Council asked how many devices the department currently maintains (the presenter said 32) and whether older devices would remain in service; staff said the older devices will remain in use while new units are phased in. Council approved the resolution authorizing the grant-funded purchase by voice vote.

Staff said the VR-based training will be used to reinforce de-escalation techniques and policy-compliant use of the devices. The resolution directs the police department to accept the grant and proceed with procurement according to city purchasing rules.