Commissioners Zoom's Meeting

The Richland County Board of Commissioners held a meeting on August 13, 2026, where they approved requisitions and weekly transfers, with some budget transfer questions raised regarding self-sufficient operations. A significant portion of the meeting focused on public comments and discussions about the use of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) and mass surveillance technology, with concerns raised about constitutional rights, privacy, and potential technological errors. The commissioners acknowledged these concerns and noted ongoing reviews with law enforcement. The meeting also featured a detailed presentation by representatives from the Richland County Prosecutor's Office and Axon, a technology vendor, regarding the adoption of Axon Justice, a digital evidence management system. The presentation highlighted challenges with managing large volumes of digital evidence, the need for increased efficiency, and the potential benefits of the Axon Justice platform, including time savings, centralized evidence storage, and improved case management. Contract options for a 5- or 10-year term were discussed, with cost considerations and implementation timelines noted. While no final procurement decision was made, commissioners expressed interest in further research and discussions with other counties before proceeding.