LINDON, Utah — Helius, a Hughes company, announced that the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, led by Sheriff Lee Baca, has selected the Helius digital communications system to inform and train its employees, as well as to keep inmates abreast of correctional facility rules and regulations. The Helius solution, chosen in part because traditional communications channels were often inefficient, will allow the Sheriff’s Department to optimize the flow of information from central command to local offices and ensure that timely information is disseminated quickly and efficiently.

“We tested other solutions, but in the end we chose Helius because the system allowed us to conveniently provide digital signage, on-demand training, and department-wide communications in an affordable, all-in-one package,” said Sergeant Steve Strange.

As the largest sheriff’s department in the world, Los Angeles County will deploy screens in high-traffic areas at each of the 23 stations and 10 correctional facilities under its jurisdiction, reaching an estimated 16,000 deputies and professional staff. 

The Helius-powered network will provide deputies and professional staff with current news and weather data, crime data and other important messages. Additionally, the network will provide personnel with access to training information that can be used to supplement classroom-based work.

“A deputy’s typical workday makes traditional in-class training very difficult to schedule. The Helius system gives the department access to on-demand training, which can be viewed at a time that is convenient to each individual,” Sergeant Strange said.

At the 10 correctional facilities where this network will be deployed, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will use separate screens for employees and inmates. Employee-facing screens will operate similarly to those in patrol stations. Inmate-facing screens will be used to inform incoming inmates of their processing status, and correctional facility rules and guidelines. The inmate-facing screens will be presented in different languages to address the cultural diversity of Los Angeles County.

“The Sheriff’s decision to implement our multi-purpose solution further validates the importance of using a media system that offers both communication and training capabilities. We welcome the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to our broad base of corporate and government customers who use our system at tens of thousands of sites across North America,” said Mike Tippets, president of Helius. “Helius is proud to offer solutions that enable law enforcement and first responders to remain current and receive key information as they valiantly serve and protect our communities.”