Phoenix PD Seeks $22 Million for Taser Upgrades

Phoenix Police Seek $22 Million Upgrade for Tasers Amid DOJ Scrutiny

Phoenix, AZ – The phoenix Police department is seeking a $22 million upgrade for its tasers, a move that comes under intense scrutiny following a scathing Department of Justice report criticizing the department’s use of the devices.

The Public ⁤Safety and Justice ⁢Subcommittee will meet Wednesday to discuss recommending the five-year agreement with ⁣Axon, the manufacturer of the department’s current tasers. The proposed upgrade would replace the aging TASER 7 models with the newer TASER 10, which features an audible warning alert designed to deter use.

The report to ⁣the subcommittee highlights the TASER 7’s approaching “end of useful life expectancy” and emphasizes the new model’s enhanced safety and technological features.

This request⁤ comes on the heels of a June report by the Department of Justice that labeled Phoenix PD’s taser use “unreasonable,” citing instances⁣ of deployment without warning and against individuals posing no threat. The ⁢report also criticized the lack of de-escalation attempts before taser deployment.

“PhxPD officers fire Tasers at people with little ⁢or no warning and when people pose no‍ threat,” the DOJ report stated. “Officers rarely‍ attempt de-escalation before firing a taser.”

Local ⁤social justice⁣ group Poder in Action is voicing strong opposition to the proposed upgrade, arguing that the funds shoudl be directed towards community resources ‍instead.

“Phoenix police have proven they⁣ are incapable of responsibly using the ⁣vast array of weapons they already have at ⁣their disposal,” said Isabel Garcia,⁢ Community ⁤Safety Strategist for Poder in Action.⁣ “They should not be allowed to steal‍ $22 million dollars from desperately needed community‍ resources at a time when vital services are already being threatened by the budget deficit.”

The ‍proposed deal with Axon comes as the company seeks to⁤ build a massive headquarters complex in Scottsdale. While⁢ the Scottsdale City Council recently approved the ‍project, a local group is currently gathering signatures to ⁢put the development to a public vote.

This story will be updated following the Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee meeting.

Phoenix Police Taser Upgrade Sparks ‍Controversy Amid DOJ Scrutiny

Phoenix, AZ – The Phoenix Police Department (PhxPD)⁣ is facing intense scrutiny over its request for a⁢ $22 million upgrade to its taser arsenal. ⁤ This comes just months after a scathing Department of Justice (DOJ) report ‍criticized the department’s use of tasers, labeling it “unreasonable.”

The proposed five-year agreement with taser⁣ manufacturer Axon would replace the department’s aging TASER 7 models with the newer TASER 10, which features an audible warning alert. While the ⁣department cites the TASER 7’s approaching “end of useful life expectancy” and emphasizes⁣ the new ⁤model’s enhanced safety features, local advocacy groups are vehemently opposed to ‍the upgrade.

Poder in Action, a local social justice association, ‍argues⁤ that the‍ funds should be directed towards community⁢ resources instead. “Phoenix police have proven they are incapable of responsibly using the vast ‍array of weapons‍ they already have⁣ at their disposal,” said Isabel⁢ Garcia,Community Safety Strategist for Poder in Action.⁢ “They should not be allowed to steal $22 million dollars from desperately needed community resources ⁣at a time when vital services are already being threatened by the budget deficit.”

The DOJ report, released in June, raised serious ⁤concerns about PhxPD’s taser deployment practices, citing instances of tasers being fired without warning and against⁤ individuals posing⁢ no threat. The report also criticized the department’s lack of de-escalation attempts before⁢ resorting to ⁢taser‍ use.

Adding another layer of complexity to the situation, axon is currently ‍seeking approval for ⁢a massive ⁤headquarters complex in Scottsdale. While the Scottsdale City⁢ Council recently greenlit the project, a ‍local⁢ group is actively gathering signatures‍ to put the development to a public vote.

The Public Safety ⁤and Justice subcommittee will ⁣meet wednesday to discuss recommending the taser upgrade agreement. This story will⁣ be updated following the meeting.