Los Angeles County sheriff’s dispatch system gets a temporary fix

Following a New Year’s Eve system crash, the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department performed a temporary fix to its computer-aided dispatch system, known as CAD, on Friday, Jan. 3.

Deputies can once again receive calls for service through their patrol car computers, according to a Friday statement from the department.

The department became aware of the problem after a number of deputies reported not being able to log onto their patrol car computers, which the CAD system operates on, at around 8 p.m. on Tuesday.

As a result, deputies had to resort to using their radios, phones, pens and notepads to manually track and respond to calls for service. The inoperable 38-year-old CAD system also meant deputies were unable to run license-plate numbers through their patrol car computers.

“The department has long struggled with outdated technology, and since taking office, the sheriff has stressed the critical importance of upgrading and enhancing our internal systems,” the statement said.

“Creating a multi-year equipment-replacement plan ensures fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability,” it said. “By planning for the replacement of outdated equipment in the department, we can manage costs, avoid unexpected expenses, and maintain efficient operations, all while prioritizing critical needs and preventing future budget strain.”

The department issued a funding request in June 2023 for a CAD replacement project.

Testing of a potential new system will begin next week in a few patrol stations, according to Friday’s statement.