Buena Vista County Sheriff Kory Elston appeared before the county board of supervisors last Tuesday morning to propose a contract with Lexipol, a policy and training service designed to keep law enforcement procedures aligned with evolving state and federal laws.
Elston stressed the urgency of updating the department’s policy and procedure manuals, noting that the current system is outdated and labor-intensive.
Lexipol offers automated updates based on legislative changes and case law, along with daily training briefings and continuing education accredited through the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy.
Elston cited a recent Iowa arson case that was jeopardized due to unclear investigative roles, underscoring the need for well-defined procedures.
The proposed contract totals $44,527, with a $28,000 one-time onboarding fee split over two fiscal years. Annual costs of $16,261 would be divided among the sheriff’s office, dispatch, and jail. Elston plans to use federal inmate funds to cover the initial years.
The board voted unanimously to approve the contract and authorized Elston to sign it.
