Ulster County committee advances multi-year Axon contracts, including AI additions, amid reservations over vendor size

The Ulster County Law Enforcement and Public Safety Committee voted on May 5 to advance a package of contracts with Axon Enterprise for the sheriff’s office, including a $2,954,112.87 consolidation contract and a $1,308,940 agreement that adds artificial-intelligence tools to the sheriff’s operations.

The committee adopted Resolution 185 to enter a $2,954,112.87 contract with Axon Enterprise Inc., describing the measure as a consolidation of existing contracts. Chair Clinton moved the item forward and the committee voted in favor. The panel then approved Resolution 186, a $1,308,940 contract for additional AI-enabled functions; the sheriff and committee members said a $794,000 federal grant will offset part of that cost.

Why it matters: The contracts expand the sheriff’s technology platform for records, body cameras and new AI-driven workflows, and they obligate county funds for a multi-year arrangement. Committee discussion flagged both operational benefits and governance questions about adopting AI in law enforcement systems.

Sheriff Figueroa said the move shifts subscription items from capital to operating because those costs cannot be bonded and described the Axon AI environment as a “closed loop” under the sheriff’s control. "When we have Axon AI, it's a closed loop that's controlled by the sheriff's office and belongs to the sheriff's office," he said.

Legislator Walls asked whether the $1,308,940 figure represents an annual payment or a multi-year commitment; the sheriff confirmed the agreement is a five-year contract. Walls said he participated in an Axon demonstration and, while he would support advancing the measure out of committee, he called the price "a lot of money for something that really hasn't been tested too well." He said Putnam County is the only county in New York he knows that is currently using the technology.

Legislator Hewitt said he likewise values modern technology but worries about supporting a vendor with broad market reach. "We understand why Axon is worth $55,000,000,000 in market capitalization right now," he said, noting concerns about monopolies and indicating he will speak more on the floor. Legislator Marino responded that the technology helps both law enforcement and prosecutors and described it as "a win-win."

The committee approved the measures by voice vote. Officials said the $1,308,940 contract will be partially offset by a $794,000 federal grant; the sheriff’s office characterized the AI features as assisting with minor reports and consolidating operational workflows.

What’s next: Both resolutions were carried out of committee and will next appear in the legislative session for final action.