Maricopa County clears $25 million Motorola contract for sheriff

(The Center Square) – Motorola Solutions is now in a $25 million contract with Maricopa County following a Board of Supervisors vote last week.

The contract is meant to boost the Sheriff's Office's technological efforts as law enforcement agencies across the country continue to modernize.

“We are very grateful for the Board’s generous investment in MCSO’s technological capabilities,” Maricopa County Sheriff Russ Skinner, said in a statement.

“This funding will improve safety for our staff and community, our productivity, communication and transparency with the public, our record-keeping strategies, and our ability to analyze how we’re allocating personnel and resources. We are always on a progressive mission to evolve, innovate, and improve our approach to public safety," he added.

According to a news release, some of the funding will go toward an improved 9-1-1 process to get emergency information to first responders, which is known for "mobile integration" and being able to better communicate with different authorities.

Notably, the company considers its work with Glendale, Arizona as a "case study" in how it works with law enforcement agencies. Motorola touted improved radio technology, licence plate recognition and a "Real-Time Crime Center" as methods it employed to improve the city's police force.

“MCSO is the fourth largest county law enforcement agency in the United States and is responsible for serving an area that covers more than 9,200 square miles,” Board of Supervisors Chairman Jack Sellers said in a statement. “This investment ensures that MCSO has the best-in-class technology needed to protect the public and provide exceptional customer service to Maricopa County residents.”

The contract expires on Aug. 31, 2034, and immediately took effect on Sept. 11. There is a potential for the contract to be renewed for up to another decade, according to meeting records .