By using technology to improve public service, Larimer County will be recognized as a National Association of Counties 2023 Achievement Award winner in two categories at the July 2023 NACo Conference and Exposition in Travis County, Texas.

The awards honor innovative, creative ways that counties provide programs that strengthen communities. 

In the Criminal Justice and Public Safety category, Larimer County’s Law Enforcement Digital Evidence System [LEDES] is a new, automated process that gathers video data from law enforcement and other surveillance sources.

Previously the District Attorney in the 8th Judicial District had to manually review all video evidence for every case for any new video developments and then add them to those case files. That task is now performed automatically with LEDES. A large amount of staff time has been saved by the DA which can now be channeled more efficiently for other tasks.

The COVID pandemic forever changed the way many organizations communicate. In the Information Technology category, Larimer County quickly adapted to employees working remotely by using Zoom Unified Communication as a Service, or UCaaS.

Using non-internet group phone conversations proved unstable, and those working remotely also had difficulty joining those meetings while experiencing outages as well. UCaaS allows a much more reliable, internet-based platform for seamless communication enhanced with video that only an internet-based wider bandwidth can provide.

Residents also benefit from a more dependable phone and text service when conducting business with Larimer County. Engagement and outreach to the community and citizen access have also increased with face-to-face interactive meetings using UCaaS.

UCaaS also increased the programs offered to those in the criminal justice system. Video arraignments, substance abuse treatment, re-entry programs, and education programs have all been enhanced with UCaaS.

Each year, NACo’s Achievement Awards are given in 18 categories that reflect the vast, comprehensive services counties provide. The categories include children and youth, criminal justice and public safety, county administration, information technology, health, civic engagement and more. Launched in 1970, the program is designed to recognize innovation in county government. Each nominated program is judged on its own merits and not against other applications.