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Court authorizes bids for AES-256 encryption and new Motorola portables to improve law-enforcement radio interoperability
Summary
Bracken County Fiscal Court voted to solicit bids for AES-256 radio encryption and to purchase new Motorola portables for law enforcement to address interoperability and encryption limitations; members emphasized compatibility with Mason County and the county's existing Motorola infrastructure.
Bracken County magistrates voted to open public solicitations for AES-256 encryption and new Motorola portables for law enforcement after extended discussion about interoperability with neighboring jurisdictions and the capabilities of existing equipment.
Officials said the county's infrastructure is Motorola-based from a prior upgrade and that some handheld radios are not upgradeable to AES-256, meaning portables would likely need replacement. The court discussed whether to limit bids to Motorola (to align with existing infrastructure) or allow multiple vendors; a motion to pursue AES-256 encryption bids and new Motorola portables passed on roll call (one "no" vote was recorded by Danny Hollerin on the final motion tally).
Speakers emphasized that AES-256 would enable transmission of sensitive law-enforcement information (licenses, watch lists) across radio and that interoperability with Mason County is a priority; dispatch patches may be required when direct radio-to-radio communication is not possible. Staff were directed to advertise bids and coordinate technical specifics with county technical advisors before returning with proposals.
