Title
Sheriff's Office recommending the Board:
1) Approve the use of Special Revenue Funds in the amount of $100,000 for the purchase of Mobile Fingerprint Readers;
2) Approve and authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute a Purchase Contract with Data Works Plus, LLC, a competitively qualified vendor, for the amount of $100,000 for Mobile Fingerprint Readers; and
3) Approve and authorize the Purchasing Agent to increase the Purchase Contract on an as-needed basis during the awarded period as long as funding is available within the department's budget.
FUNDING: Fingerprint Identification Special Revenue Fund.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The Sheriff's Office submitted a formal request in December of 2025, to the Procurement and Contracts Division of the Chief Administrative Office to issue a competitive Request for Bids (RFB) for Mobile Fingerprint Readers. On April 9, 2026, as a result of RFB 2026-0105, DataWorks Plus, LLC was identified as a qualified contractor.
The Sheriff’s Office utilizes fingerprint identification technology to support deputies, detectives, and the Coroner’s Unit. Acquiring additional mobile fingerprint readers will enable patrol deputies to confirm identities through Rapid ID technology by scanning fingerprints and comparing them in real time against local Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), Department of Justice (DOJ), and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) databases. This capability significantly enhances officer safety through the DOJ Repository for Individuals of Special Concern (RISC) system and reduces reliance on verbal statements or fraudulent identification documents. It provides a reliable method for identifying suspects or deceased individuals, and aligns with the Sheriff’s Office mission to enhance public safety through innovative technology and efficient service delivery.
The addition of mobile fingerprint readers will also streamline the identification process, reduce delays associated with traditional methods, and give law enforcement personnel the information needed to make informed decisions during public interactions. This technology is particularly valuable in situations where individuals are unable or unwilling to provide valid identification and will assist in locating wanted persons or those with outstanding warrants. The purchase of these 27 mobile fingerprint readers will be funded through California Identification System (Cal-ID) Remote Access Network (RAN) Board funds.
ALTERNATIVES
Failure to approve this purchase may limit the Sheriff's Office ability to efficiently identify individuals in the field, potentially resulting in delays during law enforcement contacts and investigations. Continued reliance on traditional identification methods may increase staff time, reduce operational efficiency, and limit the use of technology intended to improve public safety and officer effectiveness.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
Procurement and Contracts
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no Net County Cost as the purchase will be funded through the use of the Fingerprint Identification Special Revenue Fund.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
Undersheriff Eric Palmberg