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Commissioners approve purchase of Crossmatch LiveScan scanner to replace failing jail unit
Summary
Lieutenant LaCroix told commissioners the jail's LiveScan fingerprint unit was failing and that a Crossmatch unit (higher-feature option) and a possible mobile tablet would reduce risks and allow remote fingerprinting; commissioners approved the Crossmatch purchase and asked staff to route the contract.
Lieutenant LaCroix asked commissioners on June 22 for permission to purchase a replacement LiveScan fingerprint scanner for the county's jail, explaining the current unit is "on life support" and technical support is limited.
LaCroix presented two quotes: a Talus-model scanner (about $14,993) and a Crossmatch option (about $18,000). He said the higher-priced Crossmatch product includes additional functionality—criminal and applicant transactions—and that maintenance and warranty terms differ. LaCroix also described a mobile tablet option the state may provide to county jails; his plan would use a tablet supplied via state program to keep county upfront costs lower while the county would pay related maintenance fees.
LaCroix stressed operational need: the existing LiveScan's fragility prompted the county to buy an ink kit as a temporary fallback and a recent book-and-release warrant incident that required taking an individual to the hospital cost the county several thousand dollars. He said a mobile live-scan capability would allow for self-surrenders and remote fingerprinting in some cases, reducing liability, transport and custody burdens. "A book and release warrant is now looking like it's gonna cost us upwards of $5,000," he said, arguing a mobile solution could avoid some such costs.
A commissioner moved to purchase the Crossmatch unit (the higher-feature option); the motion was seconded and the commission voted in favor. LaCroix said he would work with the prosecutor’s office and the county contract manager to route the purchase and use existing printer hardware and stands where possible to keep costs down.
Next steps: LaCroix will finalize the vendor contract and present it for signature; county staff advised him to use the county contract to speed procurement and to coordinate with the PA's office on contract terms.
