The Medford, Oregon, Police Department is getting a $370,152 upgrade that could help it track stolen vehicles. The funding will provide in-car camera systems in the department's fleet of 35 vehicles. The city council approved an ordinance for a five-year contract with Axon. Approving the move before January 1, 2023 helped the city avoid a 10% price increase that is expected to take effect next year.

The contract begins July 1, 2023 and continues through June 30, 2028, according to city council documents.

Five Points of View

The ordinance will allow police to install five new cameras in each vehicle, with each exterior camera covering three traffic lanes and offering a clearer panoramic view, according to the Mail Tribune.

The city will purchase Axon Fleet 3 camera systems, according to the quote from Axon submitted to the city council.

The interior camera located in the prisoner compartment offers knee-to-head views with infrared capabilities.

The in-car video system activates automatically depending on certain conditions, like turning on the emergency lights or when the vehicle pursues at high speed.

The in-car cameras integrate seamlessly with the department's body-worn cameras.

The new equipment also integrates an automated license plate reader camera into every patrol vehicle. The license plate information is uploaded and provides an alert if a vehicle of interest, such as a stolen vehicle, is located.

The department reported that the technology will boost its ability to locate stolen vehicles, criminal suspects, and enhance officer and community safety.

The information gathered from the video systems will be shared among regional law enforcement agencies. All in-car video will be stored on Axon servers for five years.