City Council approves 5-year contracts for police body cameras, Tasers

By Barbara Taormina

The Revere City Council approved five-year contracts with Axon Enterprises for body cameras for police officers and for new high-tech, less lethal Tasers at the Regular Meeting on January 29, 2026.

“We’ve talked about body cameras for a long time, and we are ready to implement this new technology,” Police Chief Maria LaVita told city councillors. According to LaVita, the cameras will allow officers to document crime scenes and capture witness statements and spontaneous utterances. They will also provide real-time translations for 50 different languages.

“The cameras will increase public trust and transparency,” said LaVita. “Videos will hold officers accountable for any misconduct.”

Councillor-at-Large Marc Silvestri called the body cameras “long overdue” and added that in addition to any incidents of misconduct, “the cameras will make sure officers aren’t falsely accused. I rarely hear bad things about police on the street, about excessive force or things like that.”

LaVita agreed and said body cameras have been shown to reduce frivolous complaints against police.

“Body cameras build trust between officers and the community,” said Ward 5 Councillor Angela Guarino-Sawaya, who agreed the cameras would promote accountability.

Ward 3 Councillor Anthony Cogliandro said he is excited about bringing in the cameras. “I think some of those videos will show how policing is supposed to be done,” said Cogliandro, adding, “I have seen amazing things from the police department.”

He also asked about the funding for the cameras. LaVita said the department is waiting for a decision on their application for a $250,000 grant for the five-year contract.

The council also approved a five-year contract with the same company, Axon Enterprises, for less lethal control devices, the Taser 10. The police department is already in year four of a five-year contract for Taser 7, a less efficient and effective control device. LaVita said the hope is to renegotiate the contract and start with Taser 10. LaVita explained the benefits to councillors, highlighting the Taser’s effect in de-escalating situations.

Silvestri asked if every officer had a Taser. LaVita explained that Tasers are limited to certain officers.

Police Lieutenant Joseph Turner, who came with LaVita to the council meeting, said that being equipped with a Taser is a voluntary choice of an officer. It requires a lot of extra work and training, and candidates must be patrol officers. Turner suggested that the investment of time and training officers put into Taser use is a safeguard that the devices will be used correctly to de-escalate situations.

“The No. 1 thing is they can de-escalate situations and save the lives of residents,” said Councillor Guarino-Sawaya.

The council voted unanimously in favor of both five-year contracts.