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Commission Approves Funding For Body Cameras For Escambia Deputies
March 26, 2021
The Escambia County Commission on Thursday unanimously approved the purchase of body cameras for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
In January, Sheriff Chip Simmons followed through on a campaign pledge and asked commissioners for $912,727 to purchase body cameras for his deputies.
The cameras and their operation will be funded as follows as follows:
- In fiscal year 2021, purchase 268 body worn cameras to equip all patrol officers
- In fiscal year 2022, the Sheriff’s Office operating budget will increase $250,000 per year for four new positions to support administration, monitoring and data storage related to the cameras
- In fiscal year 2023, it is anticipated an additional $50,000 per year will be required for additional storage
CARES Act funds will bee used to purchase the body cameras to equip all patrol officers. The purchase will outfit all deputies, and the equipment will sync will existing vehicle cameras. Warranties and software as needed will also be included in the purchase price.
“I appreciate the fact that we can work together,” he said. “Whether it’s the board of county commissioners or it’s the sheriff — we can look and say, ‘This is important to our community. This is important for evidence. This is important for critique and for training.’ It’s certainly important for transparency.”
The first deputies are expected to have their body cameras in about two months, and all deputies should have them by October.
Comments
10 Responses to “Commission Approves Funding For Body Cameras For Escambia Deputies”
They could always sell the up-armored, mine resistant, turret equipped, military all terrain vehicle (MATV), that they dont need to fund the body cameras that they do. Just sayin
@smartphone don’t think for a minute that law enforcement hasn’t been recording for a long time, even before cell phones, that extra cop on the scene or back up , yep they are recording to protect themselves, and saved for later use and good for them, to many false allegations against them. I’ve also know a large number that have a private attorney ready to go.
Statistically, body cameras have resulted in much more plead outs /convictions of criminals nationwide. It’s also resulted in more arrests of people making false allegations and complaints against officers. Great job ECSD! I suspect they will need to build another new jail
Long over due!!! Sheriff Simmons, keep up the good work, look forward to seeing the department grow under your leadership.
need cameras for all sworn officers, SHERIFF ON DOWN. wear while on duty.
Way to go Sheriff Simmons!!! Love this Sheriff!
Please come clean up my neighborhood. We are counting on you.
Until then… Citizens should record police interactions with their cell phones. I unashamefully support law enforcement but THERE ARE BAD APPLES…
Ditto! It’s about time that the County Commissioners step up. TY Sheriff Simmons. You have to keep turning the wheels on the Commissioners.
Stay safe ECSO.
About darn time… Thanks to the new sheriff for taking a step away from the darkage… Regardless of whether you believe it benefits the public or the officers more is irrelevant… It benefits EVERYONE… Its a no brainier…