BUILD A MOUNT
Deploying IntelliSkin®-wrapped iPad Air 13 tablets with Tough-Docks™ reduced MDT costs and made it easier to use than bulky laptop solution at Laramie County Sheriff’s Office.
The Laramie County Sheriff’s Office has long stood as a cornerstone of public safety and service in southeastern Wyoming. With a legacy rooted in protecting one of the state’s largest and most dynamic counties, the agency has continually evolved to meet the needs of its growing communities. What began as a small, locally driven department has developed into a modern law enforcement organization dedicated to safeguarding citizens.
The Challenge
Aaron Veldheer, Chief Deputy of Operations at the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office, emphasized the need for a more effective mobile data terminal (MDT) solution for the agency’s nearly 100 active lieutenants. After years of relying on Panasonic Toughbooks, the department found the devices costly to maintain and the in-cab mounting hardware too bulky for practical, everyday use. RAM® was brought in to design a streamlined solution centered around deploying new iPad Air 13 tablets as a replacement.
Chief Deputy Veldheer also highlighted a critical environmental challenge: Wyoming’s intense summer sun often caused iPads to overheat and shut down while vehicles were parked. He asked whether RAM® could provide a solution to combat extreme heat and ensure uninterrupted field operations.
The Solution
To address the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office’s challenges, RAM® assembled a complete ecosystem of rugged mounting and connective solutions tailored to their operational needs. Each iPad Air 13 was outfitted with an IntelliSkin® case to provide drop protection and transform the USB-C port into a reliable pogo-pin connection for seamless docking. The Tough-Dock™ ensured secure charging and peripheral support in-vehicle, while an added rugged keyboard kept that desktop workflow intact for officers. For vehicle integration, RAM® already had a custom mounting system specifically for the Ford Police Interceptor, maximizing cabin space and officer comfort.
To solve the overheating issue caused by Wyoming’s intense summer heat, RAM® incorporated the RAM® Vent-Temp™ tablet cooling system. This innovative fan and air vent attachment actively circulates cool air around the device, preventing shutdowns from direct sunlight and ensuring uninterrupted performance during critical operations.
In-cab MDT replacement tablet solution by RAM® Mounts
Photo by Laramie County Sheriff's Office
The Results
With the new iPad-based solution in place, deputies reported a significantly improved user experience. Docking and undocking devices became faster and more intuitive, reducing downtime and frustration in the field. The shift to iPads paired with RAM® Mounts delivered substantial cost savings compared to maintaining Panasonic Toughbooks, while the IntelliSkin® line ensured the tablets remained rugged enough for daily law enforcement use.
By combining durability, ease of use, and cost efficiency, RAM® equipped the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office with a reliable, future-ready mobile workstation—empowering deputies to stay connected, productive, and mission-focused in any environment. Overall, officers are much happier to be working with a more cost efficient system that cut down the inefficiencies of fumbling around with devices, resulting in
Reduced frustration from officers working with a mobile solution that solves all previous issues with their mobile workstations.
Achieved a 3:1 cost savings by replacing Toughbooks with IntelliSkin®-protected iPads.
Lowered total cost of ownership over 5 years; IntelliSkin® products are designed to make device upgrades painless by significantly reducing new hardware costs.
Increased durability and life expectancy of devices.
