The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has successfully restored its computer dispatch system after it crashed on New Year’s Eve, thanks to a temporary fix implemented on Friday. This “temporary fix” allowed the 38-year-old computer-aided dispatch system, known as CAD, to get back online and resume operations. The system failure initially occurred around 8 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, with deputies at multiple stations experiencing difficulties logging onto their patrol car computers. This forced dispatchers to resort to manual methods of managing calls, including writing down information by hand and relaying details to deputies via radio.
## Outdated Technology Raises Concerns
The CAD crash highlighted the department’s reliance on outdated technology, sparking criticism and calls for immediate action to address the issue. Former Sheriff Alex Villanueva spoke out about the need for modernization, citing a letter he wrote to the L.A. County Board of Supervisors in 2022. In the letter, he warned of the inevitable failure of the RMS and CAD systems, emphasizing the significant danger it poses to the citizens of Los Angeles County. This incident underscored the urgent need for the department to upgrade and enhance its internal systems to ensure public safety.
## Plans for Modernization
Sheriff Robert Luna has acknowledged the pressing need for system upgrades and has been actively working to address the issue since taking office. The department issued a request for proposals for a new CAD system in mid-2023 and is currently evaluating potential options. Testing of one prospective system is set to begin next week in select patrol stations, marking a step towards modernizing the department’s technology infrastructure.
## Moving Towards a Safer Future
While the recent CAD crash exposed vulnerabilities in the department’s outdated systems, it also serves as a wake-up call to prioritize technology upgrades for improved efficiency and public safety. Sheriff Luna’s commitment to enhancing internal systems and replacing antiquated technology demonstrates a proactive approach to ensuring the community’s well-being. By investing in modernized systems, the Sheriff’s Department aims to provide deputies with the tools they need to effectively serve and protect the residents of Los Angeles County.
