Southeast Indiana sheriff says body cameras a top priority

COLUMBUS, Ind. (AP) - A sheriff in southeastern Indiana says he will ask county officials to approve funding for body cameras for all of his deputies.

Bartholomew County Sheriff Matt Myers says body cameras are a top priority this year and that his office already has price quotes from nationally recognized suppliers and from other policing agencies using the technology, The Republic reported.

The proposal has the support of every deputy, as well as many residents and community leaders, Myers wrote in a news release.

"A strong part of public trust is to have each and every deputy wear a body camera and have a car camera to capture all the facts of each exchange with the public," Myers stated, noting that the cameras would create more accountability for both the officers and the public.

Myer's initial request was presented while the county was struggling financially and will likely receive reconsideration when the council begins its 2021 budget talks in August. A final vote on next year's spending plan is scheduled for mid-October.

Besides the cameras, the proposal included 35 replacement stun guns, unlimited video storage, and a number of related accessories and services. Sheriff's Capt. Brandon Slate quoted a cost of $248,393 that would be paid over a five-year period.