Hagerstown Police Department Proposes 10-Year Technology Overhaul with Axon

Hagerstown, MD – The Hagerstown City Council is considering a significant technology upgrade for the Hagerstown Police Department, involving a potential 10-year contract renewal with Axon that aims to enhance public safety and departmental efficiency. The proposed agreement, which is still under discussion, includes the implementation of a new records management system (RMS) and incorporates several advanced technological features designed to improve officer capabilities and community engagement.

The need for a new RMS is driven by the county’s plan to replace its current Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, which also supports the police department’s existing RMS. A change in the CAD system necessitates an upgrade or replacement of the current RMS to ensure seamless integration and functionality. While a new RMS could take 18 months to two years to implement, the anticipated delay in the county’s CAD system upgrade suggests that the police department’s RMS implementation may not occur for at least three years. By locking in a contract now, the department aims to secure current pricing for the new technology, avoiding future price increases.

The proposed contract renewal extends beyond just the RMS. It includes upgrades and new features that build upon the department’s existing technological infrastructure, which already includes body cameras, a drone program, and a real-time information center. Among the new capabilities are advancements in body camera technology, allowing for real-time translation of up to 50 languages, with plans to expand to 140 languages. This feature aims to improve communication between officers and individuals who speak different languages, ensuring better service to the community.

The agreement also features a newer model of taser, designed to function as a de-escalation tool rather than solely for incapacitation. These advanced tasers are equipped with tracking capabilities that monitor usage and can provide data on how often the device was drawn, used as a warning alert, or discharged. This data will offer greater transparency into the use of force tools and provide metrics for de-escalation successes.

Furthermore, the contract includes a program called “Performance,” which will automate the auditing of body camera footage. This system will assign review responsibilities to sergeants, allowing for more eyes on footage and ensuring greater compliance and accountability. Another new program, “My 90,” will leverage data from 911 calls to send surveys to citizens, gathering feedback on their interactions with the police department. This system can also be used internally to gauge agency morale and identify areas for improvement.

A key component of the proposed technology package is “FUSIS,” a dashboard designed to integrate various disparate technology systems into a unified mapping software. This platform will bring together data from body cameras, marked police vehicles, street cameras, and potentially third-party camera systems from entities like the Hagerstown Housing Authority or the Maryland Theater. This integration is expected to significantly expand the department’s technological footprint, potentially incorporating thousands of additional cameras without direct purchase.

The contract also outlines the expansion of the department’s drone program. This includes “Drone as a First Responder” (DFR) technology, featuring rooftop-mounted drones on standby for rapid deployment. These drones can be operated by civilian pilots stationed in the real-time information center, allowing sworn officers to focus on policing duties. The DFR system, with a 2.5-mile radius from downtown Hagerstown, can reach incident locations within approximately 90 seconds. This technology, along with the FUSIS system and other advanced features, is presented as a way to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.

Financially, the proposed 10-year contract is estimated to cost slightly over $11 million. While this represents an increase from current expenditures, which are around $600,000 annually including various systems, the department anticipates offsetting some of these costs by eliminating legacy programs. Approximately $166,000 per year could be saved by discontinuing outdated software and services. The increased costs are phased, with a more significant jump in year three when the RMS implementation is anticipated. The department is also exploring federal and state grant opportunities to help mitigate the financial impact of the RMS system.

The department leadership emphasized that the technology investments are not intended to replace officers but to make their work more efficient, effective, and safer. They highlighted a decrease in firearms-related incidents by over 40% in the last three years, attributing some of this success to the current technology investments. The proposed contract is seen as a crucial step in maintaining Hagerstown’s position as a model for technology-driven policing.

The council is expected to continue its discussions on the proposed Axon contract renewal. Residents concerned about the financial implications can note the projected cost increases and the department’s efforts to offset them through program consolidation and grant applications. The department also plans to implement comprehensive training for officers on the new technologies.

Article by Ken Buckler, based upon information from the December 2, 2025 Hagerstown City Council work session.

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