Overton County Sheriff’s Department is seeking bids to replace 20 body cameras and camera system.
Sheriff John Garrett said that the department decided to get new cameras after recurring issues with its current system’s tech support. He said that while the system started out well, they can no longer get a hold of a representative for help.
“It’s time that we do something else to make sure that not only our officers are provided that body-worn cameras and that footage, for officer protection and evidence purposes,” Garrett said. “But also making sure that those officers are doing what they’re supposed to be doing while interacting with the public.”
Garrett said that the price for systems of this nature can run anywhere from $1,000 up to $5,000 per camera. He said that they are depending on a majority of the funding coming through a grant. Garrett said that to his understanding, they have received the grant and are awaiting the finalization from the state.
Garrett said that this will be the third body camera system the department has used. He said that they switched from car cameras to body cameras shortly after he took office.
“Because in my opinion, body-worn cameras, whether it’s in the vehicle, outside the vehicle, or house calls, they provide so much more information than stationary mounted car unit,” Garrett said.
Garrett said that once the bids are due Thursday. He said that once they open the sealed bids, they will make a recommendation for a bid to be approved by the county commission.
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