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Commission approves drone purchase and new recruitment incentive for certified 9-1-1 telecommunicators
Summary
The commission awarded a drone RFP to Unmanned Vehicle Technologies and approved a recruitment incentive program to attract certified telecommunicators; county staff said the retirement change for telecommunicators makes the incentive more effective.
Berkeley County commissioners approved a package of public-safety technology and recruitment steps that includes purchasing drones capable of 3‑D mapping and authorizing a hiring incentive for certified telecommunicators at the county 9‑1‑1 center.
Chief deputy and sheriff’s staff described a planned purchase of multiple drones equipped for 3‑D mapping and other public-safety uses. County staff recommended awarding the RFP to Unmanned Vehicle Technologies for $33,047.55 for a set of drones, software and accessories; the commission voted to accept the recommendation.
The commission also approved a recruitment incentive program for certified telecommunicators in Emergency Communications that mirrors a previously used hiring incentive for deputies: a two-part bonus (half at hire, half after one year) with a repayment schedule if the employee leaves before the full commitment period. Jennifer Swisher, emergency communications director, described the county preference for candidates with two years’ field experience and existing emergency dispatch certifications to speed on‑boarding and reduce academy time.
Why it matters: Officials said advanced drone capability will help in crime-scene and crash reconstruction, search and rescue and other time‑sensitive operations. Paired with the added state retirement coverage for telecommunicators, commissioners and staff said the incentive strengthens recruitment tools.
Other procurement notes: Commissioners discussed a separate bid for mobile data computers (laptops/tablets for deputy vehicles) and a competitive solicitation for interior reflective security film for the judicial center; staff reported one bid for mobile data computers (Unistar Sparco, $23,621) and four bids for the reflective film project, with pricing ranging from about $4,395 to $13,979. The mobile data bid and window-film bids were presented for review; the drone award and hiring incentive were the actions taken at the meeting.
Votes at a glance: Motion to accept Unmanned Vehicle Technologies drone bid ($33,047.55) — approved. Motion to adopt recruitment incentive for certified telecommunicators (mirroring sheriff deputy incentive) — approved.
