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Council reviews sole‑source purchase of mobile‑forensics software for police
Summary
Council reviewed a sole‑source, one‑time purchase request for mobile‑forensics software (GrayKey Mobile) to allow local investigators to extract data from certain iPhones without traveling to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation; staff cited a cost of $37,370 and said the tool can stop a device’s 72‑hour timer to preserve evidence.
Members reviewed a sole‑source purchase recommendation from Technology Services for a mobile‑forensics license described as a one‑time buy for $37,370. Staff said the software — described during the meeting as a tool used to extract information from certain iPhone models — can stop a device’s 72‑hour timer and preserve evidence in investigations, reducing the need for investigators to travel to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation in Nashville.
Councilman Elliot asked staff for clarification about day‑to‑day uses and whether the software is law‑enforcement specific; staff replied the tool is necessary for some iPhone models and that use requires appropriate legal process such as a search warrant. "The cell phone is no different than anything else that's private. Um there has to be there has to be a search warrant," staff said.
Why it matters: The purchase gives local investigators a technical capability that can affect criminal investigations and evidence preservation. The council approved multiple purchase renewals and heard the sole‑source report; the transcript shows the item was presented and a motion to approve purchases carried during the session.
Next steps: The purchase was presented to council as a sole‑source report and approved as part of purchase items on the agenda; procurement records and any use‑policy should be consulted for details not included in the meeting record.
