To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: Tyler S. Brown, Sheriff
Prepared By:
prepared
Travis Stewart, Captain, Investigations
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Subject:
title
LETS Communication Systems
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Purpose and Request:
recommended action
The Sheriff’s Office requests the Board of County Commissioners to authorize the Chair of the County Commissioners to sign the contract between Arapahoe County and LETS Communication Services for access to their technology for undercover narcotics operations.
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Background and Discussion: The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit (SIU) conducts several undercover operations regarding narcotics purchases/arrests on a weekly basis. These operations are crucial in trying to stem the overwhelming distribution of potentially lethal narcotics and synthetic opioids. In order to ensure safe operations and effective prosecution, the unit relies on monitoring/communication software to record the events and alert other officers if the situation turns volatile. The unit had previously been using Callyo software, but the rising cost of that platform had become cost prohibitive ($4,972/year). The SIU Commander found an alternate software (LETS) that satisfies the requirements of the unit and can be obtained at a cheaper cost ($2,985/year). The Unit has run through some operations on a trial basis and would like to move forward with the software permanently. The proposed contract has been reviewed in Contract Insight and is ready for signature if approved.
Alternatives: The alternative is for the Sheriff’s Office to not approve the monitoring software which would mean a complete stop to all undercover narcotics operations. This would also mean a potential spike in localized fentanyl distribution in our service area and dramatically drop drug seizures and arrests pending the acquisition of a platform that could ensure safety and successful prosecutions.
Fiscal Impact: The cost for one year of LETS service will save $2000. ACSO has funds to make this purchase in our current budget and will not require any additional money for the purchase.
Alignment with Strategic Plan:
☒Be fiscally sustainable
☒Provide essential and mandated service
☒Be community focused
Concurrence: The Public Safety Bureau, Investigations Section Chain of Command support the use and acquisition of this software.
Resolution: Attached is a copy of the draft resolution.