ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - A showdown is brewing over millions of your tax dollars, and your safety is at stake. At the center of it: body cameras and other equipment for St. Louis police.
First Alert 4 Investigates has confirmed a federal investigation is underway into how a police equipment contract was awarded, after a whistleblower alleged the bidding process was rigged.
Now, the newly formed St. Louis Police Commission will make the issue one of its first orders of business. Commissioners are tasked with figuring out how to ensure officers have the technology they need to keep the public safe.
For years, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department has contracted with a company called Utility to provide body cameras and other technology — at a cost of around $6 million. But last year, as First Alert 4 Investigates was first to report, Chief Robert Tracy entered into a contract with a different company, Axon. That deal was worth more than $25 million.
The city entered into the contract by piggybacking on an existing state agreement. But the move raised serious questions. Eventually, the city opted to launch a formal bid process. Both Axon and Utility submitted proposals. Axon again received the contract.
That decision led to more controversy. Utility launched a formal appeal, and a whistleblower came forward, alleging the bids were rigged. A complaint submitted to the Missouri State Auditor’s Office this month called the Axon deal “the worst case of useless...
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