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Police chief seeks sworn IT sergeant to manage rising compliance and technology workload
Summary
Brigham City Police department asked council to add a sworn administrative IT sergeant to handle CJIS/SEIGS compliance, body/dash camera management, license‑plate readers, vulnerability patching and accreditation work. Staff argued a sworn officer better understands operational and evidentiary needs than a civilian IT hire.
Chief Ray and IT staff told the council on June 4 that expanding state and federal criminal‑justice IT requirements, plus growing in‑vehicle and evidence technology, have stretched current staff capacity.
Royce Wilkerson described recent SEIGS/CJIS policy changes that increase ongoing reporting, evidence and audit expectations and require formal governance, documented responsibilities and continuous monitoring. "Version 6.0... we are supposed to be working toward becoming compliant by October 1st, 2027," Wilkerson told the council, adding that patching and vulnerability management already consumes substantial staff time.
Chief Ray said the department had reduced its command structure several years ago and that the remaining administrators are handling increased workloads. He and Royce argued a sworn sergeant with policing experience can better translate technical security controls into operational practice and help with evidence‑retention and policy decisions that affect officers in the field.
Councilors probed whether the function could be filled by a civilian IT hire. Staff acknowledged cost and said sworn staffing is more expensive, but they cited advantages including quicker operational decisions on evidence retention, an understanding of policing workflows and the ability to supervise certain specialty civilian functions (animal services, crossing guards). Staff estimated one‑time equipment and vehicle upfitting at roughly $25,000 and said the full recurring wage/benefit cost is included in the mayor's personnel request.
Council did not act on the request and asked staff to provide detailed implementation plans and budget scenarios at a June 10 follow‑up session.
Ending: The council requested clearer cost and timeline options and left the proposal under review ahead of the budget decisions scheduled for June.
