County IT reports CJIS changes for school SROs, network fixes and recommendation to standardize email signatures

Chris Martin, the county IT director, briefed the Linn County Commission on multiple technology and security updates during the Sept. 15 meeting.

Martin reported year-to-date ticketing numbers and listed recent projects: replacement of a damaged tower network cable at the fairgrounds, equipment set-up for the treasurer's tax sale, installation of a window intercom at the sheriff's office, fixes to courtroom and jail systems, setup of AVL (automatic vehicle location) integration for Public Works, and camera and wireless access improvements at remote sites.

Martin said the county has started implementing a secure connection setup for school-based SRO (school resource officer) offices in response to a change in Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) rules: "In the past...we were allowed to just use a laptop or a computer that the school provided, and they've changed that. It must be an agency owned device now," Martin said. He reported two of six SRO sites are set up and the county will install routers and VPN connections at the remainder.

Martin also recommended standardizing email signatures by applying a server-side signature so group mailboxes and individual accounts display a single, consistent signature and disclaimer. He asked the county counselor for input on required disclaimer language; the counselor replied that disclaimers should be included to protect against unintended recipients.

Other technical work described included updated radio repeater firmware at tower sites, mutual-aid antenna work on the Justice Center roof, monitoring of domestic hot-water boilers at the Justice Center, and addressing a failing battery backup and rodent damage at marina network equipment.

Martin said he will circulate proposed disclaimer text and coordinate with elected officials on signature styling and logos before broader rollout.