UPDATE: Mesa County commissioners have just approved a significant contract worth up to $764,134.45 for a critical upgrade of field employees’ computer systems. This urgent initiative will enhance the technology used by various agencies, including the sheriff’s office, by providing 120 new computers equipped with advanced features such as attached keyboards and 5G capability.
The upgrade will drastically improve the operational efficiency of field workers, including deputies and staff from the county’s building, road and bridge, and engineering departments. “Our existing tablets are five years old. The technology has definitely improved quite a bit,” said Eric Sperber, operations patrol captain with the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office. He emphasized the necessity for modern devices in a rapidly evolving digital landscape, stating, “Our existing ones are a little bit slow” in handling the demands of today’s technology, such as body-worn camera videos.
The introduction of 5G technology is particularly crucial. Sperber noted, “Over the course of the last probably two years, we’ve kind of noticed a decline in our service coverage outside moving around in the field.” The new equipment will ensure better service and bandwidth, allowing deputies to connect seamlessly to dispatch, access call notes, and view crucial footage from body cameras and drones.
This technological upgrade not only streamlines operations but also enhances public safety. “It really serves our community well,” Sperber added. The new devices will enable faster responses and better information access, which is vital for tracking down individuals who may have victimized citizens.
The timeline for this upgrade indicates that the vendor will need approximately two months to build and configure the equipment. Following this, an installation period of three to four weeks is expected. Sheriff’s office officials are currently finalizing the exact implementation schedule for the new technology.
As this project unfolds, it promises to revolutionize how Mesa County’s field workers operate, ensuring they are equipped with the best tools to serve and protect the community effectively. Stay tuned for further updates as the installation progresses and impacts local operations.
