Sheriff outlines staffing priorities, Axon body-camera rollout and jail programming

Sheriff Bill Elliott Boundrichler told Crook County commissioners that public-safety operations are focused on staffing stability, technology upgrades and programs for incarcerated individuals.

"Tomorrow is our kickoff for body cameras," the sheriff said, announcing a planned transition to Axon body and fleet cameras to replace unsupported equipment. He said the Axon system will simplify redaction for public records and reduce staff time spent on editing video evidence.

The sheriff reported operational changes and grant-funded programs: hiring three new jail staff members, installing mobile repeaters and upfitting patrol vehicles, acquiring a donated mobile incident command post nearly complete in time for June, and securing a two-year state CJC MAT grant to expand medication-assisted treatment for incarcerated people.

Office statistics were presented to the board: 2,363 reports in 2025 (a 4% increase from 2024), a 33% decrease in total arrests to 328 arrests in 2025, a 5% decrease in total bookings (88 people booked last year), and approximately 15,840 calls for service (down about 900). The sheriff said the department has begun sergeant promotions and is working to improve jail staffing levels to maintain patrol capacity.

The sheriff also discussed equipment and training needs for new less-lethal options and expressed interest in a drone program for indoor operations, noting training and ammunition costs.

Commissioners asked whether asset-management costs might be centralized through IT rather than borne by individual departments; county staff said they will explore a countywide asset-management program.