Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Jail Security Equipment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Mason County to upgrade jail video archives, retrofit worn sliding doors and review body-scanner warranty
Summary
Commissioners agreed to place three sheriff’s office items on an upcoming agenda: a $20,000 estimate to extend jail video retention to meet state archive rules, retrofitting two worn sliding doors after a power outage, and reviewing warranty renewal options for a body scanner used by county facilities and courts.
Mason County commissioners on Jan. 6 agreed to move forward with agenda items to address several jail safety and equipment issues, including an upgrade to video-archive storage, replacement of worn sliding doors and a review of an expiring warranty for a body scanner.
The sheriff’s office and facilities staff told the board that the county’s new jail control video system currently stores 30 days of footage while Washington State archives-retention rules require 60 days. “We came to understand that our new jail control video system was only stored 30 days of video, and we're required by Washington State archive retention rules to store 60 days,” said Kelly (facilities/jail staff). Kelly said IT solicited a contractor bid to upgrade DVRs; the estimate presented to the board was about $20,000.
Why it matters: County retention policy affects evidence preservation and compliance with state archival requirements. Commissioners emphasized the item is mandatory and asked staff to confirm a current firm estimate and funding source before formal action.
Commissioners also were told that a recent power outage revealed problems with several door locks and two sliding doors at the jail. Facilities staff said many original components are obsolete and two sliding doors must be retrofitted. Kelly said one problematic unit is an outdoor cage door used frequently; worn actuators and hardware make remote operation unreliable.
Funding and next steps: Staff discussed funding sources with commissioners. Facilities suggested the general fund, but commissioners discussed using real estate excise tax (REIT) funds where appropriate to avoid reducing the general fund balance. No final funding decision was made; commissioners directed staff to update quotes and put the items on the next meeting agenda for formal approval.
Body-scanner warranty: Staff reported the warranty for the county’s body-scanner (the equipment that screens individuals entering the jail facility) has lapsed or is close to expiration and that the scanner is more technically complex than the courthouse magnetometers. On-site training listed in the vendor quote was optional and staff said prior training had already occurred. Commissioners requested an updated quote and a clearer statement of whether warranty renewal and on-site training are required; they asked that the item be placed on the next meeting agenda and noted the likely general-fund source for any renewal.
Board action: Commissioners agreed in briefing to place all three items on an upcoming agenda for formal action after staff obtain updated, firm cost estimates and clarify funding sources.
Details and timeline: Staff said vendor quotes are time-limited and will be refreshed; for the archive upgrade they will confirm whether the $20,000 estimate is still valid. For sliding doors, staff said two retrofit installations are necessary because replacement parts are obsolete and prices are valid for approximately 60 days. For the body-scanner warranty, staff will return with a revised quote and note whether training will be removed from the purchase as it is already complete.
The board did not adopt a formal resolution during the briefing; the items were advanced to the formal agenda for a future regular meeting when updated estimates and funding determinations will be available.
