Spare keys, smart strategies for law enforcement

Law enforcement strategies

One of the more unique geographic features in the Southwest US is the Four Corners Region, which includes the only spot where four states – Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona – meet simultaneously.

The Northwestern-most county in New Mexico that’s part of the Four Corners is San Juan County, which includes more than 2,000 miles of jurisdiction for the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office (SJCSO).

Because of the vast terrain, the department has faced unique challenges in managing certain shared assets, particularly spare keys for fleet vehicles.

However, by implementing advanced technology, they’ve improved operations and extended the life of the vehicles to ensure critical day-to-day responsibilities.

More than 100 certified deputies respond to more than 55,000 calls annually for the approximately 125,000 residents who live in San Juan County.

Because the coverage area is extensive, the wear and tear on the patrol trucks and SUVs fleet is constant.

As such, officers consistently sign out spare keys when their primary vehicle is being serviced.

While an intelligent key cabinet is in place now to help facilitate that process, it was more complicated several years ago.