Sierra Vista police roll out Axon in-car cameras, new patrol trucks and stepped-up community events

Sierra Vista Police officials said the department has completed installation of Axon in-car camera systems across its patrol fleet, a step they called important for transparency and investigations.

Deputy Chief Lewis told KWCD’s First Watch that the in-car cameras will sync with officers’ body-worn cameras and capture audio as well as video. "It's recording from the in car camera, but it's also syncing to the body camera," Lewis said. He added Axon's automatic transcription feature makes it easier to search recordings by keyword.

Why it matters: Officials said the combined in-car and body-camera footage will support investigations and improve public transparency, allowing staff to quickly locate relevant segments of recorded interactions.

Fleet and units: Lewis said the department has ordered four Chevrolet Silverados that will be outfitted in Phoenix before returning to Sierra Vista as patrol vehicles. The department also plans to expand its motorcycle unit after accepting a Harley-Davidson donated by the Yuma Police Department; the motorcycle will be fitted for patrol use. Lewis said the department expects to have two motorcycle officers once outfitting is complete.

Special-event policing: The department plans to revive a limited bicycle unit to provide mobile coverage at special events such as the West End Fair and the Christmas parade; those assignments will be secondary duties rather than a full-time bike patrol.

Community partnerships and outreach: A department spokesperson said social-media tips and community-provided surveillance helped solve three separate incidents last week. The department also promoted several community events: a Valentine's Day adoption open house at the animal control center (8 a.m. to noon), an annual Shred A Thon at Veterans Park on March 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (or until the shred truck fills; five-box limit per household) with a prescription drug take-back, and a 'Coffee with a Cop' outreach at Dunkin' (in the Walmart) on Saturday, March 21, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Officials urged residents to participate in outreach events and to continue sharing tips and surveillance that help investigations. The department thanked the community and partner agencies for donations and sponsorships that support its programs.

What’s next: Officers will begin using the in-car systems in patrol operations and the new vehicles will be announced to the public when they return from upfitting.