Pima County Supervisors to Vote on $45 Million Funding for Sheriff’s Department Taser and AI Technology Acquisition

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD) is seeking to significantly expand its contract with Axon Enterprise, a Scottsdale-based technology provider, from its original 2021 agreement valued at $26.6 million. The proposed amendment would extend the contract through 2036, allowing for an additional $45 million in funding for expanded services, including the controversial “AI Era” software, which automates police report generation from body camera audio. Concerns have arisen regarding data ownership and potential access by federal agencies. District 3 Supervisor Jennifer Allen voiced skepticism about the contract extension before its 2031 expiration, emphasizing data privacy issues in the current climate. The largest labor union within PCSD has publicly opposed the amendment, arguing that the funds should prioritize officer salaries and retention over technology investments. The union’s president, Sergeant Aaron Cross, highlighted that AI tools, while modern, do not significantly enhance efficiency and overlook critical details.

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