It’s time for the lengthy discussions to end: all deputies within the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department need to have body cameras.
While some police departments are just starting to look into adding the recording devices, the county has discussed pursuing the equipment since at least 2014.
When Sheriff Matt Myers was elected in 2015, one of his campaign points was to outfit his department with the cameras.
In the spring of 2015, the Bartholomew County Council said it would support buying 40 body cameras. However, testing showed those units had issues, and the question of data storage also raised eyebrows. So, in mid-June of that year, the sheriff’s department switched to two different brands of cameras to test.
Meanwhile, the Columbus Police Department, in 2015, invested $66,000 for 65 body cameras and a video storage system. All patrol officers were wearing them in the field by the end of that year and CPD already had dash cameras.
In August of 2016, Myers requested additional capital and expenses for the 2017 budget. Right before the request, the council learned that the county was expected to have $1.5 million less in revenue the next year due to state-imposed caps on property taxes. Compared to the year prior, it would be an estimated $657,000 drop in income. But, again, due to technical glitches that developed during a two-month testing phase, Myers tabled his request for body cameras.
While the council does have the ultimate decision-power regarding fiscal affairs, the commissioners became involved in the body camera issue in late 2017. That’s when the council asked the commissioners to invest money from their telecommunications fund into the devices before the request was pulled.
Now, the spotlight on the issue has returned as groups across the country continue to protest police brutality towards black citizens in the wake of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
During the solidarity rally outside Columbus City Hall plaza on June 4, Myers reiterated his desire to have body cameras, which drew a round of applause by the crowd. Residents and community leaders have requested officers wear cameras for years, and every deputy at the sheriff’s department has pledged approval of moving towards adding the devices.
Myers said he plans on making a "strong case" for body cameras later this summer when the council begins 2021 budget talks.
Uncertainties linger surrounding funding due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the county should be in a better position now than it was in 2017 fiscally after approving an increase in the local option income tax for public safety. Before income tax increases of 40% went into effect in 2018, the council had already shown support for the measure.
With better technology and data storage available, many are hopeful negotiations can be reached.
Trust between the public and local law enforcement is vital. If every officer has a camera, a new, better level of accountability will fall on both deputies and the public. It protects both sides of the badge.
Back and forth banter should not happen with this issue. Action just needs to be taken.
