The Board of Supervisors approved an agreement to enhance the Sheriff Department’s connectivity and information sharing capability with federal law enforcement agencies during its regular meeting on Tuesday.

“Today’s action will expand the County’s connectivity to the federal law enforcement partners enhancing our ability to respond to incidences and solve crimes,” said Supervisor Mike Antonovich.

Last year, the Sheriff’s Department established connectivity with the Department of Homeland Security’s National Operations Center at the Department’s Emergency Operations Bureau.

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This action by the Supervisors expanded that connectivity to the Joint Regional Intelligence Center, a multi-jurisdiction collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies focused on intelligence sharing and collaboration between the agencies.  The estimated cost of the contract is $4.75 million which is funded by a federal grant.

The Department of Homeland Security’s National Operations Center, together with other Federal agencies use visual command and control tools that are well proven during emergencies which will facilitate a more effective response to emergencies at the local level.