Sheriff's office to receive "encrypted" radios

During the Oct. 7 meeting of the Waseca County board of commissioners, county sheriff Jay Dulas described his department as having become something of an “island” because most regional law enforcement agencies are already using the types of federally required portable radios capable of “encryption.” 

 

With this type of equipment, he explained, communications among department members can no longer be monitored using scanners and other devices which pick up unprotected radio transmissions. Dulas mentioned that, because curiosity seekers monitoring such transmissions could no longer hear staff exchanges from surrounding counties, larger numbers have begun arriving at Waseca County scenes.

 

After saying he had researched options extensively, Dulas requested approval to spend $319,000 to replace the 54 portable radios his office is currently responsible for, and to purchase suitable chargers, holsters and other accessories. Dulas reported there are 15 deputies who will keep their radios with them full time. Radios will also be kept ready to be used by jailers, dispatchers, Sheriff’s Posse members, and emergency management services. Two will be set aside as “backup” should any of the others be out of service.

 

He defended the purchase of 54 radios, saying all of them contribute to smooth communication among responders when there is a large-scale event, or during community celebrations such as the county fair.

 

Dulas said radios currently in use with the department are about seven years old and are “aging out” of usefulness; repairs are no longer a possibility, since replacement parts are not being produced.

 

Money has been being set aside for the eventual purchase since 2017, the sheriff reported, so more than $217,000 is already covered; the remaining money is available in funds designated by the state for supporting the 9-1-1 emergency call line.

 

Commissioners approved the expenditure. Dulas estimated it would be a month or more before the equipment would be delivered and in operation.

 

County Engineer Jim Kollar was given board approval to spend $21,000 in county funds toward a state-required update of the county’s highway safety plan. The amount constitutes 20 percent of the anticipated $105,000 cost; the remainder will be paid by state and federal agencies.

 

The plan currently in use was prepared in 2012. Kollar stated statistics and recommendations in the document are frequently used when applying for construction and improvement grants. Aside from paying its share of the cost and allowing access to current information, Kollar mentioned the county will have relatively little input as the updated plan is created. A consulting engineer will analyze pertinent data and supply recommendations. He estimated it will be a year or more before the finished plan is in place.