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Sheriff's office seeks Starlink units, drone licenses and warrant-builder tool to address coverage and investigative gaps
Summary
Chief Deputy Andy Iverson told commissioners spotty cell and radio coverage in parts of Bannock County is hindering search-and-rescue and investigations; the office requested two portable Starlink satellite units, two MapNova drone licenses and warrant-builder software to speed warrants and mapping.
Chief Deputy Andy Iverson described operational gaps in areas of the county with limited radio and cellular service and asked the commission to fund two portable Starlink units so deputies can establish emergency connectivity on scene.
Iverson said Starlink units would be carried to incidents and set up where satellites are visible to provide texting and connectivity for field phones. "What Starlink would do for us ... we could set 1 here and 1 over here no matter where we're at in the county as long as we can see up," he said, noting the capability would be especially useful for search-and-rescue and remote incidents where current communications are "very sporadic."
Iverson also requested two MapNova drone licenses to expand mapping and aerial overview capabilities for large incidents, crash scenes and building clearance. He said drones have already proved valuable in locating subjects and providing an overview in operations where they previously lacked that perspective.
On investigative efficiency, Iverson asked for a warrant-builder software product that standardizes language for different carriers so detectives get the correct call logs and records back from providers. "What this warrant builder does is it updates that information ... it's like a plug and play," he said, adding the tool would reduce time detectives spend drafting and updating warrant requests.
Commissioners asked about costs and usage and directed staff to provide line-item estimates and placement in the capital/professional services sections of the budget. The sheriff's office indicated the Starlink cost is a portion of a $10,000 line and that drones and warrant software are presented within the investigations/operating lines.
Ending: commissioners asked staff to provide clearer line-item totals and to confirm whether equipment purchases should be budgeted in capital or professional services funds before final approval.
