Informational with no formal action requested.

The Police Department will present two public-safety technology initiatives. The first is an implementation progress update on the Axon technology program, which is nearing completion. The presentation will highlight implementation milestones, technology deployment, operational integration, and realized organizational benefits.

The second is a proposed modernization of the Police Records Management System (RMS), transitioning from the existing on-premises platform to a cloud-based solution. The proposed acquisition would utilize a cooperative purchasing agreement and provide enhanced compliance reporting, workflow automation, workload and case management, expanded data analytics, and additional investigative capabilities.

Together, these initiatives support the Department's ongoing efforts to modernize public-safety technology, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen organizational capabilities.

The City of Billings currently operates and maintains Public safety software for Police, Fire, City/County 911 Dispatch, and Yellowstone County Sheriffs Office including the Detention Facility. Public-safety operations increasingly rely on integrated technology systems to manage information, support investigations, maintain records, and ensure accountability. As operational demands and reporting requirements evolve, maintaining effective, reliable, and sustainable technology platforms is essential to the Department's ability to deliver services efficiently and effectively. The Department is currently advancing two complementary technology initiatives.

Axon Technology Program Implementation
The Axon program represents a comprehensive investment in public-safety technology and operational capabilities. Implementation includes the deployment of body worn cameras, in-car audio/video, Taser 10 Less lethal technology, software solutions, and supporting infrastructure designed to improve evidence collection and management, streamline operational workflows, and enhance transparency and accountability. The program also requires coordination of system configuration, integration, personnel training, policy development, and operational adoption to ensure the technology is effectively incorporated into daily operations.

Records Management System Modernization
The Department's existing Records Management System is a legacy system and operates on an on-premises platform. The transition to a cloud-based RMS will modernize the underlying technology environment while providing expanded functionality to address current operational and administrative needs. The upgraded platform introduces enhanced compliance reporting and data validation capabilities, improved workflow efficiency, more comprehensive workload and case management tools, and additional functionality.

Beyond upgrading the existing software platform, RMS modernization provides an opportunity to evaluate and improve workflow processes, standardize records management practices, strengthen data integrity, and enhance the Department's ability to analyze and utilize operational information. These capabilities will support improved investigative oversight, workload visibility, efficiency, and data-informed management decisions.

Both initiatives are intended to provide sustainable technology solutions that support the Department's current operational requirements while positioning the organization for future needs. These presentations will summarize the respective implementation efforts, highlight progress and enhanced capabilities, and identify remaining activities necessary to achieve full operational implementation.

Records Management System Upgrade: Proposed 5-Year fixed contract totaling $3.3 Million. Includes one-time implementation costs of $418,000 and SaaS subscription in the amount of $582,183 per year. Additionally, City IT will be losing approximately $116,000 annually as a result of lost revenue from a reduction in support costs from Yellowstone County.

Billings Police
Billings Fire
Dispatch/911 Communications
Yellowstone County Sheriffs Office
IT

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