Ludlow Police Department Boosting Public Safety with New Axon Technology

    The City of Ludlow, Kentucky is investing $36,400 in Axon public-safety technology to modernize its police department. This procurement includes TASER 10 devices and body-worn cameras, signaling a renewed focus on officer accountability and community safety after nearly two decades without Tasers.

    Ludlow Police Department, City of Ludlow

    Key Signals

    • City of Ludlow invests $36,400 in Axon public-safety technology
    • Ludlow PD reintroducing Tasers for first time since 2006
    • Procurement includes body-worn cameras and evidence-management software

    "We pretty much carry pepper spray and a gun, so you have the minimal amount of force to the maximum amount of force. Tasers are your in‑between force."

    Bart Beck, Police Chief

    The Ludlow Police Department, located in Kentucky, has made a significant stride towards enhancing public safety by allocating an annual budget of $36,400 for Axon public-safety technology. This investment encompasses a suite of advanced technologies, including 10 TASER 10 devices, 11 body-worn cameras, interview-room camera systems, evidence-management software, and training systems. Notably, this is the first time in nearly 20 years that the department will reintroduce Tasers, reflecting a critical shift in how law enforcement approaches officer safety and community interactions.

    The decision to incorporate Tasers into the Ludlow Police Department’s equipment toolkit is driven by the need for an intermediate-force option in situations where officers face significant risk, particularly involving individuals with mental health crises. According to Police Chief Bart Beck, the absence of Tasers has left officers with only two extremes of force: pepper spray and a firearm. He emphasizes that “Tasers are your in-between force,

    Agencies

    • Ludlow Police Department
    • City of Ludlow

    Vendors

    • Axon

    Locations

    • Ludlow, Kentucky