Wayne County prosecutor's office wins approval for $935,000 laptop purchase to support paperless court work

Wayne County commissioners approved a cooperative purchase order to buy 400 laptop computers and accessories for the Prosecutor's Office, a procurement described by staff as necessary to support the office's paperless case-management system and in-courtroom technology.

Tony Guerrero, chief of legislation, grants and community relations for the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office, told the committee the office became fully paperless prior to moving into the criminal justice center and that existing laptops "are unable to keep up with the newest technology" used in court. Guerrero said the purchase order is "$935,000 not to exceed" and that funding for the purchase had already been set aside.

Commissioners asked about the age of the older laptops and what would happen to replaced devices. Guerrero said some laptops are "as old as 6 to 10 years" and that the office plans to recycle the machines using an environmentally appropriate disposal process rather than selling them or sending them to landfill. Commissioners also asked whether the vendor offered a buyback or upgrade program; Guerrero said he was not aware of a buyback but that the vendor warranty and fleet-management practices would be used to track end-of-life status.

Commissioner Peterson Mayberry asked whether older machines might be repurposed for seniors or schools. Guerrero said some components (for example, drives and parts) could be repurposed and expressed a preference for donating reusable equipment to a school where practical. The committee approved the procurement by voice vote after a motion and second.