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Rockwall County approves jail camera software trial that detects inmate motion and breathing
Summary
The commissioners approved an addendum to run a free trial of OptiGuard (Foresight Labs) through Sept. 30, 2026 to evaluate a liveness‑detection system integrated with jail cameras; post‑trial licensing costs were estimated by one commissioner at roughly $25,800 per year.
The Rockwall County Commissioners Court voted 5‑0 on March 24 to approve Addendum No. 1 to the county’s master services agreement with Foresight Labs Inc., authorizing a trial implementation of OptiGuard, a camera‑based liveness‑detection system intended to supplement jail staff checks by detecting even subtle inmate motion (including breathing patterns) in cells.
The chief presenting the item said the county already uses monitoring software within the jail and that OptiGuard would integrate with the existing camera system to provide a redundant detection capability for occupied cells, especially those where detainees may be covered and not visibly moving. The system will be deployed for an evaluation period running through Sept. 30, 2026, at no charge during the trial window.
Commissioners asked about costs after the evaluation. One commissioner cited an estimated annual license fee of about $25,800 as a possible post‑trial cost depending on the scope. Commissioners asked that the sheriff’s office and staff evaluate the trial for effectiveness and budgetary feasibility and to report back before any decision to continue paid licensing.
The court included an amendment limiting the free trial to Sept. 30, 2026, and approved the addendum by unanimous vote. Commissioners instructed staff to monitor performance during the trial and to include recommended budget actions in the next budget cycle if the system proves necessary.
