Aging Equipment Strains Sheriff’s Office Budget Early in Fiscal Year

Sheriff Richard Hickox told Churchill County Commissioners at their July 16 meeting that the department’s fingerprint machine malfunctioned earlier this year. When a technician repaired it, they recommended an upgrade. However, the manufacturer, Idemia, later informed the department that the machine could not be upgraded due to outdated software. Hickox said he wasn’t sure how old the machine was, as it was already in use when he took office in 2018.

Hickox requested approval to purchase a new fingerprint machine for $19,070, along with a three-year maintenance agreement costing $3,383, for a total of $22,453. Commissioners approved the purchase. The new machine is a similar model and supports both fingerprint and palm print scans. Hickox said future department budgets will include the maintenance cost.

Later in the meeting, Hickox also reported problems with the detention center’s locking system. He said some doors had started to pop open on their own. When he contacted the company that holds the maintenance contract, they told him the system was aging and needed to be replaced. Hickox declined to specify which locks were affected, citing safety concerns for deputies working in the facility. He said the department developed a workaround to maintain security until the new system is installed.

Although the detention facility is less than 10 years old, Hickox noted that not all of the original equipment was the most up to date when it was installed.

An order for the new locking system was placed under emergency authorization by County Manager Chris Spross. Installation is expected as soon as possible.

In investigating when the locks began to malfunction, the department attempted to review surveillance footage but discovered a “catastrophic failure” in the server housing the video system. Hickox said the department had already identified a need to upgrade or replace some computer equipment, but his capital outlay budget was reduced this year. 

Hickox said he will return to the commissioners with a funding request for a new server. As the department continues to face equipment failures, additional budget adjustments may be necessary in the months ahead.