URGENT UPDATE: Mesa County commissioners have just approved a contract worth up to $764,134.45 to enhance computer systems for field employees. This significant upgrade, covering 120 total computers, will directly benefit multiple agencies, including the sheriff’s office, which provides critical support to deputies in the field.
The approval, announced earlier today, comes as local officials recognize the pressing need for modern technology. “Our existing tablets are five years old. The technology has definitely improved quite a bit,” stated Eric Sperber, operations patrol captain with the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office. The current devices struggle to handle the demands of modern digital tools, including body-worn camera videos and various applications used during police operations.
The new computers will feature attached keyboards and 5G capability, addressing service coverage issues noticed over the past two years. “Being able to switch to a 5G connection will improve our service, provide better bandwidth, and allow us to reach more areas around the county,” Sperber added. This upgrade will empower field workers to connect seamlessly to dispatch, access call notes, and view footage from body cameras and drones—enhancing efficiency in protecting and serving the community.
The project timeline is ambitious: the vendor is expected to take about two months to build and configure the new equipment, followed by an additional three to four weeks for installation. Officials from the sheriff’s office are currently determining the exact implementation dates.
This upgrade not only streamlines operations but also significantly impacts public safety. As Sperber highlighted, “It really serves our community well. We’re able to do our job a lot faster, streamline things, and look for people who may have victimized citizens in our community.”
Residents of Mesa County can expect improved responsiveness and service from law enforcement as these upgrades roll out. Stay tuned for further updates on the implementation timeline and the enhanced capabilities these new systems will bring.
