Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office begins using body cameras

PAPILLION, Neb. (KLKN)– The Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office plans to begin using body-worn cameras with in the next couple of weeks.

The cameras and equipment were funded through the combination of a federal grant, federal forfeiture funds, and county budgetary funds. The Sheriff’s Office acquired 42 body-worn cameras. The cameras will be worn by deputies assigned to the Road Patrol.

The project has been in the works for approximately a year and a half. The Sheriff’s Office conducted research, completed the federal grant application process, field tested cameras, arranged funding, created policies, addressed storage and technical issues, acquired the equipment, and is currently training deputies.

As part of the project, the current in-car camera systems will be updated. This will allow the cameras in the cruisers and the body-worn cameras to work together on the same system.

Body-worn cameras can be a useful tool for evidentiary purposes, documentation, investigating complaints, improving safety, and enhancing training.