Sheriff's office reports staffing pressures, jail strains and plans for rapid DNA; board approves SWAT vest grant application

Undersheriff Justin Ames delivered the Elko County Sheriff's Office report, noting the office's total calls for service decreased from 24,129 to 23,223 for the year but cautioned that staffing shortages limited proactive policing and likely affected the counts. "If you average it out, it works out to be about 63 calls for service per day per crew," he said, and he thanked deputies for covering additional overtime shifts.

Ames discussed technology and operational improvements, including a vendor demonstration of an automation platform and a forthcoming in‑county rapid DNA machine expected to be operational in the coming months; that capability will speed case processing and reduce travel to Washoe County. He also described pressures on jail placement: the county is a high utilizer of Lakes Crossing beds and was told Lakes Crossing could limit future placements, prompting staff to pursue local alternatives and to consider budget adjustments.

On equipment and safety, Ames asked the board for permission to apply for a federal grant to purchase ballistic vests for a tactical team; he estimated $30,000 would buy 12 ceramic vests. The board moved and approved application for the grant to equip tactical staff.

Why this matters: Staffing and detention capacity affect public safety operations and case management. The county's plans for rapid DNA and for equipment purchases represent near-term efforts to improve investigative speed and officer safety; the grant application is a funding mechanism rather than an immediate county outlay.