title
Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Enter Into a Supplemental Agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc., for a Virtual Reality Use of Force Simulator System
body
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Department: |
Police |
Meeting Date: |
11/5/2025 |
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Contact Name: |
Alanna Williams |
Public Hearing: |
No |
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Contact Phone: |
910-341-7828 |
Advertising Date/Advertised By: |
N/A |
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Attachments: |
Attachment #1: Resolution |
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this resolution is to authorize the City Manager to add additional terms to a current agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc. for the T10 VR Pro (Virtual Reality Use of Force Simulator System) for the Wilmington Police Department. This agreement includes eight (8) sets of equipment for use with the simulator.
BACKGROUND:
WPD has been using a Use of Force Simulator from VirTra, Inc. for the past six (6) years as part of officer training. On July 15, 2025, City Council approved a new contract with VirTra, Inc., but the City has not been able to come to terms with VirTra, Inc. regarding payments under the new contract, and the contract was never executed. Axon Enterprise, Inc. (“Axon”) currently contracts with the City to provide WPD with body-worn cameras, in-car cameras, and other such services. Axon also carries a virtual use of force simulator package, the T10 VR Pro, and staff believes it offers superior training than the previously used system by focusing on developing skills, empathy, and de-escalation tactics, such as in crisis negation situations where no use of force may be needed. The Axon virtual reality simulator heightens situational awareness and gives broader perspectives, enables officers to practice body movement, make split second decisions, enhances speed, accuracy and confidence while dealing with stressful situations
This training has proven effective in equipping WPD officers for handling situations they may face daily, which is beneficial to both officers and citizens. Replacing the VirTra system with Axon’s T10 VR Pro will serve to further enhance both training and operational effectiveness at WPD. The additional virtual reality system will be added on to the current contract that the City has with Axon.
budget
BUDGET IMPACT:
The total estimated amount of the contract over three (3) years is $146,137, with sufficient funding in WPD’s FY26 budget in the amount of $48,681, and costs for FY27 and FY28 of $48,728, contingent upon approval of those annual budgets.
This represents an anticipated cost savings of $71,210 over the next three fiscal years, compared to the costs associated with continuing our VirTra, Inc. contract.
recommendation
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
Passage of the attached resolution is recommended.