TROY — The Miami County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) saw the implementation or achievement of several improvement projects in 2022.

A report on the 2022 progress at the MCSO includes the following:

• Shooting ranges were renovated this past summer. Both ranges had two shelter houses added in addition to all of the old targeting systems being replaced with new. Range one can now host up to 16 shooters at one time while range two can host up eight shooters. The ranges had not been updated for over 20 years. The ranges are used continuously throughout the year by local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Many of the renovations were completed by MCSO staff and maintenance and facilities staff. Special thanks to the Mercer Group who are treating and tending to the turf at both ranges.

• MCSO migrated to a digital (LEFTA Systems) field training officer program this year. In the past, everything was done on paper. The new system allows for electronic submission of all daily training reports and exhibits, to include body/cruiser camera footage to name just a few. The new software is much easier for new recruits and their field training officers. It also allows for much better storage of all training data which in turn greatly assists with risk management.

• The sheriff’s office also migrated to Aladtec public safety scheduling software this year. In the past, all scheduling and leave submissions were completed on paper. The new system allows for all scheduling and leave approvals to be completed digitally by all staff and supervisors. This allows for real time scheduling updates and better accountability of leave approval.

• Through the generous donation by the Robinson Fund, the MCSO purchased ballistic shields that are rifle rated. A ballistic shield will be located in each of the 6 school districts the sheriff’s office serves. Additionally, MCSO deputies assigned to patrol will have a ballistic shield in their cruisers. By forwarding assets into the field, it will dramatically increase public and officer safety should an active shooter event occur.

• MCSO is also adding a “building drone” to our drone fleet. This drone is smaller and allows for 360 viewing. The drone is designed to do inside building searches and secure valuable intelligence on high risk search warrants or incidents of a barricaded subject prior to officer entry. The drone was funded with drug asset forfeiture monies. Again, another display of technology increasing public and officer safety.

MCSO has also migrated to video visitation in both jails. Video visitations are easy to schedule and can be done on-line anywhere in the country. Additionally, video visitations can also be done in the visitation area of the incarceration facility. This dramatically frees up time for staff to better monitor jail operations and also affords families and friends of inmates a convenient way to have a visit. Of course professional visits, i.e. attorney, clergy, counselor, etc. still occur in person. There was no cost to taxpayers by transitioning to video visitation.