On April 13, 2023, the Redwood City Council in California unanimously approved a five-year, $3.7 million contract with Axon Enterprise to enhance its police department's drone and body camera programs. This decision follows the council's reauthorization of a military equipment policy, allowing for the expansion of the drone-as-first-responder initiative and upgrades to the body-worn camera system. Over just seven months in 2025, the police department's drones completed more than 1,700 missions on 608 incidents, significantly reducing response times by up to 76%. However, some residents and council members expressed concerns over the implications of increased surveillance and the management of public funds. Vice Mayor Kaia Eakin highlighted the need for strategic planning to avoid investing in quickly outdated technology, while Councilmember Chris Sturken pointed out that existing budgets only cover about 60% of the contract's cost, raising questions about future financial sustainability. Despite these concerns, Councilmember Diane Howard noted the public safety benefits of drones, particularly in managing large-scale searches and reducing dangerous police pursuits. The Axon platform is noted for its robust security features, including encryption and auditing tools, with no reported complaints or policy violations in the last year.