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Sheriff warns FCC rule could cost St. Clair County six figures; requests 3D scanner bid authorization
Summary
The St. Clair County sheriff asked commissioners to authorize bidding for a 3D imaging system for investigations and warned an FCC order on inmate phone and tablet fees could cost the county roughly $99,000–$116,000 a year unless addressed; commissioners discussed short-term budget steps and advocacy.
Sheriff Murray told the St. Clair County Commission that two separate technology needs require prompt attention: a forensic 3D imaging and scanning system he wants authorized for bid, and an emerging federal rule that could shift hundreds of thousands of dollars of costs onto local jails.
The sheriff asked permission to solicit bids for a tripod-mounted 3D scanner and software package—equipment used to capture accurate three-dimensional crime- and accident-scene images for court and training. The system price was presented at roughly $70,000, with annual maintenance of about $1,400. County IT staff said investigators could be operational quickly after training.
Separately, the sheriff described an FCC order (with a pending appeal) that would eliminate many fees for inmate phone calls, tablet services and video visitation and require local governments to provide the hardware/software and staffing without charging the users. "Short-term we got to figure out a way to stop the bleeding, which is $100,000 in 12 months," he said. Commissioners discussed using discretionary funds to cover part of the six-month shortfall while pursing advocacy through state and national law-enforcement groups.
Commission direction: commissioners indicated they would permit bidding on the 3D system and asked staff to return with formal bid documents and a budget plan addressing the FCC-related shortfall. The county will also explore short-term transfers to cover immediate costs and coordinate with associations to seek policy relief or delayed enforcement if the final rule takes effect.
