Sheriff's office asks for tasers, Axon subscriptions and mobile ID devices in proposed budget

Captain Areola, speaking for the sheriff's office, reviewed equipment and software requests the department included in its revised budget. He listed new and recurring items ranging from replacement ballistic vests ($68,860) to an Axon Assistant subscription (about $33,247) and a contract renewal for tasers and warranties (61 tasers at $128,965). He said the department has historically leveraged grant funds to buy vests and other gear but that several items are new or nearing contract renewal.

On the proposed Axon Assistant software, the captain said the feature set  including body-camera-linked translation and in-field transcription  makes it attractive for patrol interactions with non-English speakers. "For the $33,247 we're asking for, it's a pretty phenomenal use of the money," he said. Commissioners and staff clarified which items are recurring subscriptions (carried into FY '28) and which are one-time capital or warranty costs.