From the latest law enforcement technology to revenue needs, the Alabama Sheriffs Association met this week for its annual Winter Technology Conference in Huntsville.

“At this particular conference what we did is we brought in some of the people that have the technology that can help law enforcement,” said Executive Director Jimmy Lambert. “It gave our guys an opportunity to see what’s available out there now and what they can do to help us.

“We got to see several demonstrations different types of equipment that is out there. We also had a de-escalation demonstration.”

An issue that is at the forefront was the impact of the loss of pistol permit revenue for sheriffs throughout the state.

“It varies from office to office, but for the most part it has definitely had an impact,” said newly inducted President Shannon Oliver. “There has been a loss of revenue that we use for equipment.”

Lambert said the drop in revenue was in the millions of dollars.

“We went from somewhere in the neighborhood between $14 (million) to $15 million to somewhere statewide now $5 (million) to $6 million,” he said.

“It’s a devastating hit.”

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.