Discussion and possible action to implement incentive pay for Sheriff’s Office officers participating and/or managing the Sheriff’s Office Critical Infrastructure Technology Division as follows: [Account 1001-3010-201-410030 Incentive Pay]

• (1) Critical Infrastructure Technology Administrator $350/pay period
• (3) Critical Infrastructure Technology officer $250/pay period 

Issue: The Webb County Sheriff’s Office continues to expand and maintain critical public safety technology infrastructure that directly supports law enforcement operations, border security, emergency communications, and school safety initiatives. Sheriff’s Office Critical Infrastructure Technology Officers currently administer and support a multi-site Motorola communications core consisting of five active sites, with expansion anticipated to seven sites, and more than 4,000 enrolled subscribers. The scope of responsibility includes critical infrastructure system administration related to law enforcement technology, border security technology, school safety systems, communications platforms, cybersecurity-related safeguards, and other public safety technology assets. These duties require specialized technical knowledge, operational security awareness, and the ability to support systems that must remain reliable, secure, and available for first responders and partner agencies. Retaining trained officers with this specialized knowledge is necessary to reduce dependence on outside vendors, protect sensitive law enforcement infrastructure, maintain operational security, and avoid increased costs associated with outsourcing programming, development, installation, and system support.  

Solution: Implement incentive pay for officers actively participating in or managing the division and performing duties related to the administration, programming, development, installation, maintenance, and support of critical infrastructure technology. Existing department funds will be used to pay the incentive. Cost impact is expected to remain minimal when compared to outsourcing, as the majority of programming, development, installation, and technical support work will continue to be performed in-house for operational security, continuity, and cost effectiveness.

Result: The implementation of incentive pay will help retain officers with specialized technical knowledge and experience necessary to support the Sheriff’s Office Critical Infrastructure Technology Division and will allow the Sheriff’s Office to continue maintaining and expanding critical communications and technology systems in-house, including the Motorola communications core, law enforcement technology platforms, border security systems, and school safety infrastructure. It will also result in improved continuity of operations, enhanced operational security, reduced reliance on outside vendors, faster response to technical issues, and long-term cost savings through in-house programming, development, installation, and maintenance. This measure supports the continued reliability, security, and effectiveness of mission-critical public safety infrastructure with little to no impact on the current year’s budget and planned budgeting for the following fiscal year.

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