Equipment Upgrades Approved for Cook County Sheriff’s Department

Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting - September 5, 2019

Board Actions:

A Request to enter into and execute a contract with Axon Enterprise, Scottsdale, AZ      Axon Enterprise provides law enforcement grade weapons and tech services.  The contract is for 5 yr, 9/12/2019 - 9/11/2024.  Explanations were provided for the Commissioners’ many questions.  It was explained that this contract will provide upgrades and expansion of the existing body worn cameras and TASER weapons inventory that are needed to supply more Cook County Sheriff Department Officers with equipment.  Axon is the only company that sells law-enforcement grade weapons which are sold strictly to law enforcement agencies.  The TASER will activate their body worn camera; it is the only weapon that will activate the camera.  The cloud storage system is unique to Axon.  The cameras’ recordings will be sharable with the Public Defender’s Office.  The contract was approved.  (Agenda Item 19-5076)  

The Fair Transit of South Cook County Pilot Study was referred to the Transportation Committee for a more detailed presentation.  Commissioner Miller stated that the Public Meeting in the South Suburbs was well attended.  Supt. Yonan explained that this 3 year Pilot Program is ready for implementation.  The program has several goals, including modest service improvement and improved coordination with PACE, Metra, and CTA.  Another benefit of the program should be facilitating access to employment.  Yonan explained that Year 1 is the implementation phase.  Years 2 & 3 are to  evaluate the impact of improvements.  (Agenda Item 19-4276)

Criminal Justice Committee - Charitable Bond Fund     Commissioner Suffredin reported that the Criminal Justice Committee is waiting for responses from the State’s Attorney’s Office and from the County Clerk regarding questions of  implementation of this program.  The Committee will return with a completed proposal at the next meeting.

Observer -  C. Cosentino                                             Meeting Length -    2 hr.  25 min