Commissioners approve Justice Center security upgrade after vendor presentation

Trisha Werner of Security Automation Systems (SAS) told the commissioners the Justice Center had pervasive problems with intercoms, access control and video systems: some intercom stations lacked wiring, staff received no manuals or operations documentation, and the current system only provided about 30 days of video storage when Indiana requires 180 days. "Initially, they only received approximately 30 days of video storage, which in Indiana it's 180 days required," Werner said, describing limits that complicate tort‑claim and investigative needs.

Werner described SAS's proposed scope and said the company could tailor service arrangements and reuse existing equipment where feasible. County maintenance staff and the sheriff's office described repeated expensive service calls of $2,500–$3,500 that often failed to deliver lasting repairs and cited lack of vendor responsiveness. Commissioners discussed potential deducts for retaining Bosch video or the current card access system, lease options, and likely funding sources; several commissioners favored replacing the entire system to eliminate proprietary and unreliable elements.

After debate about costs and funding, a commissioner moved to proceed with the vendor proposal and to identify funding (including possible EDIT carryover adjustments). The motion passed on a roll call vote with all three commissioners in favor. The county directed staff to work with the vendor and legal counsel to finalize scope and contracts and to return with detailed pricing and implementation schedules.

What happens next: county staff will negotiate final contract terms, identify a funding source and schedule installation; the vendor and sheriff's office will coordinate cutover plans and training to ensure required video retention and access controls are delivered.