SO upgrades technology with GPS link for patrol officers’ connectivity

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La Salle County commissioners have green-lighted a purchase by Sheriff Hector Ramirez of new devices that will enable the agency to remain in touch with and track its officers’ movements at all times.
Offered as an upgrade to a renewable contract with Peacemaker Technology of New Braunfels, Texas, the equipment comes at a price of around $80,000 and connects officers with the dispatch office when they are away from their vehicles and allows the sheriff’s office to use drone surveillance to track deputies’ movements, such as when engaging in a foot pursuit.
Describing the upgrade after the commissioners’ court meeting this week, Chief Deputy Armando Romo said he and Sheriff Ramirez believe the equipment is a vital component in both securing officer safety and in tracking the movement of fugitives who attempt to evade justice.
The software is coupled to the officers’ ticket-writing devices and linked to patrol vehicles and to the dispatch office with a GPS location.
“This system would ensure that even if the officer or unit is separated from the main team, their location is still visible to dispatch and other departments in the area,” Chief Romo said on Monday. “In addition, with the integration of drone surveillance, the system can offer real-time updates, including live footage from drones, which enhances situational awareness and safety for the team involved.
“This type of system will improve coordination, making sure that both the officer and dispatch are in sync and can respond swiftly in real time,” Romo added, “even in dynamic situations like chases or emergency deployment.”
The sheriff’s office has purchased drones that enable deputies to track fugitives, smugglers and undocumented immigrants if they flee on foot into the brush, observe the movement of suspects’ vehicles in outlying areas of the county, and observe the behavior of potential suspects during smuggler interceptions.
“This is part of our ongoing efforts to stay more than one step ahead of any criminal elements in the region,” Chief Romo said on behalf of the sheriff on Tuesday, “and to intercept those who conduct criminal activity in the county and who may attempt to circumvent our patrol and surveillance capabilities.
“We are determined to interrupt the criminal flow of smuggled immigrants and contraband through South Texas,” the chief deputy added, “and to ensure that fugitives are captured before they can further endanger the public.”
In related law enforcement technology upgrades, La Salle commissioners agreed in 2024 and 2025 to purchases of license plate reader devices that are mounted in trailers positioned at key locations in rural areas, enabling agencies to spot and track the movement of suspicious traffic in the region. The first of the devices is now in service; two additional devices are presently on order from the manufacturer. Surveillance footage from the remote sites is broadcast directly to the sheriff’s office.