Technology Takes Center Stage At National Sheriffs' Association Conference In Downtown OKC

The largest gathering of Sheriffs nationwide is happening at the Oklahoma City Convention Center this week.

Part of the experience involved checking out new technology offered to law enforcement.

Inside the exhibit hall at the National Sheriffs’ Association annual conference is a massive tradeshow where hundreds of companies featured the future of law enforcement.

“Everything you can think of is actually here,” said Sheriff Roger Brandner from Wisconsin.

Starting with RED, the robotic emergency dog. He sits and stays but does not bite. Another remote-controlled device included spike strips used to stop a fleeing suspect. 

New technology at this year's conference has drawn approximately 2,000 sheriffs and corrections staff from around the country. Sheriff Roger Brandner from Wisconsin had his eyes on something specific.

“We’re looking at some body-cameras and some other technology for the jail,” said Brandner.

Attendees watched real-life demos. “Dan has got a pair of gloves on, we’re going to do a demonstration,” said Jeff Niklaus, vendor. “It’s a great tool for weapons retention, people trying to get anything off my belt or out of my hands.”

The creator of CD3 Technology showed off the latest in non-lethal devices.

“This is the first major conference I’ve attended in about 10 years,” said Shannon Clark, Okmulgee County Criminal Justice Authority. “Things have really advanced in 10 years.”

Clark manages the Okmulgee County Criminal Justice Authority. He said staying on the cutting edge is vital to all law agencies. 

“We’re looking at some of the drones,” said Clark. “We’re looking at a lot of the computer technology that we need to implement into our facility.”

The tradeshow is just one part of the convention. Seminars are held every day on current topics centered on law enforcement.

The Sheriffs' conference runs four days at the Oklahoma City Convention Center with the last day being Thursday.