FPA 10-12

MEMORANDUM
To:
Shiloh Ramos, Chair
Finance and Personnel Committee
Mayor Kaufert
From:
Chief Kevin Wilkinson
Re:
Request to Purchase Replacement Tasers
Date:
October 7, 2015
Prior to 2009, the Neenah Police Department committed to the technology of Electronic
Control Devices (Tasers) as an effective force option in certain circumstances. Since
then, we have built the fleet of Tasers so that we now have enough available to equip
patrol officers, as well as school liaison officers and detectives. We now have 19 units.
Since 2009 we have averaged 8 Taser deployments per year, and about twice that
many threats of Taser use, where it did not actually have to be activated. It has proven
to be a very effective force option that has undoubtedly saved suspect and officer
injuries, and may even have prevented a suicide or two.
Our own experience with the Taser as a force option has been echoed across the
country, and the ECD is now part of the industry standard for force options in American
law enforcement. Several studies have shown that proper use of an ECD device
markedly reduces injuries to suspects and officers.
Our first Tasers were the M26 model. You may recall seeing those units, which were
black and looked much like a handgun. With those, we actually had citizens ask
officers why they were carrying two handguns. Those old units were replaced by the
X26 model, which we carry now. Our X26 models are distinctive and bright yellow. The
functionality of the X26 is also an improvement over the M26.
M26 Taser
M26 in holster
But technology keeps rolling forward, and Taser is very intentionally trying to be the
leader in technological changes to electronic control devices. Thus, the X26 is being
phased out and not supported for repair.
X26 Taser
X26P Taser
X26 in Holster
X2 Taser
The new generation of Taser products includes the X26P and the X2. Both of these
models are considered “smart weapons,” and have significant improvements in
function. Most notably, these smart weapons have digital “guts” with software that
monitors and adjusts the output. So, for example, if the device makes a poor contact
because of bulky clothing, it increases the electrical output. If the connection is good, it
reduces the output. On the outside, the X26P looks like its predecessor. The X2, on
the other hand, is built somewhat differently and also has a number of additional
features. Those features include:
•
•
•
•
Dual laser sighting to show the approximate target area for each of the two
probes
Warning arc to help dissuade a combative subject without firing the device
Technology in probe mechanics that prevents an accidental discharge from static
electricity.
Double set of probes so that an officer can immediately fire a second application
of the device if the first set of probes fails to properly engage the target, or if a
second threat is present. This is the primary feature of the X2, and increases
deployment success from 55% (single deployment) to over 90%.
Training considerations
Most NPD officers are due for Taser recertification. Our choice in replacement is
irrelevant from that perspective. However, if we were to transition to the X2 over time
(the next two years, for example), we would have to train them twice – first on the
present weapon, and then a second time when they can carry the X2. From a training
perspective, then, it makes more sense to transition the entire department now.
Technology considerations
We are seeing ECD technology completely overhauled every 3 or so years. We
anticipate that will continue, and possibly even accelerate. Given that reality, it seems
more logical to replace the entire fleet of ECDs at one time, so that everyone is using
the same technology.
Cost considerations
Choice of Taser model does not have a great impact on cost. The X26 costs about
$850 (without accessories) and the X2 is about $1030. The X26P falls between those
two. Taser is offering a rebate through the end of 2015 that allows us a trade-in value
of $130 per old unit when we purchase a smart weapon. The window of opportunity for
the trade-in allowance affects our decision to make the transition now. This is not the
first year Taser has offered trade-in allowances for upgrades to smart weapons, but
each year the trade-in incentive gets smaller. Last year the trade-in value was $180.
Here is our total estimate for the project:
Taser X2 (yellow model)
PPM battery
25’ cartridge
Download Dataport
Training cartridges
Holsters
Less trade-in value of old units
Total maximum project cost
$1029.95
$54.50
$31.50
$164.75
$30.60
$65.85
$130.00
each
each
each
each
each
each
19 units
19 units
38 units
1 unit
80 units
40 units
Sub-total
each 19 units
$19,569.05
$ 1,035.50
$ 1,197.00
$ 164.75
$ 2,448.00
$ 2,634.00
$27,048.30
- 2,470.00
$24,578.30
Options
There are three basic options we have explored:
1. Staying with the X26, using what parts we can from existing devices and possibly
buying used ones from other agencies.
2. Transition to the X26P smart weapon
3. Transition to the X2 smart weapon
Based on the added features of the X2, as previously described, I support our trainers’
recommendation to transition to the X2 now, and train the entire department for that
platform of device.
We propose to pay for this project from our existing operating expense budget. The
bulk of the purchase would come from 2181-711-8133 All Other Equipment (Capital
Outlay). We would purchase the holsters from 2101-711-0117 Clothing Allowance.
The purchase would put both of those line items over budget for the year, but we would
make up that difference on other line items, such as 2101-711-0310 Gas and Oil.
Additionally, by making the fleet purchase now, we would remove replacement Tasers
from our Capital Equipment requests for 2016, 2017, and 2018.
One of our Taser instructors will be present at committee to answer any technical or
training questions you may have about the products.
Recommendation
Approve the purchase of 19 Taser X2 electronic control devices and related holsters,
cartridges, and a download dataport, for a total project cost not to exceed $25,000, to
be paid from the police department’s 2015 operating expense budget.
Capital Equipment Purchasing Checklist: Link