Council approves body cameras
By Rochelle Moore
Published in News on April 5, 2018 5:50 AM
News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
Pictured is the current body camera worn by officers at the Goldsboro Police Department. Officer Thomas Meitler wears his in the middle of his torso where it is the most secure.
Goldsboro police will be upfitted with body cameras as early as the summer, following a Goldsboro City Council decision to spend nearly $90,000 on the technology.
The council Monday approved a N.C. Department of Crime Control and Public Safety grant, which requires the state and city each pay $89,138.
The $178,276 total cost will allow the Goldsboro Police Department to purchase 96 Getac body-worn cameras, along with docking stations, chargers, storage servers and trigger boxes for vehicles.
"I'm pleased we're able to get them because I've been concerned that we didn't have cameras for every officer," said Police Chief Mike West. "I'm pleased that they were approved."
The department was able to purchase its first set of 35 Digital Ally body cameras in 2017, with a federal grant. The cameras are shared between officers, which has raised concern that an officer may not have access to a camera when needed and the sharing can lead to more damage and decrease the life of the cameras.
The cameras are also frequently being serviced.
West said the department will start the process of ordering the new cameras and associated equipment. Every sworn officer -- for the first time -- will receive a camera.
"We're hoping to place the order the first of next week," West said. "It's my goal to have the cameras pushed out and operational by the summer."
The police department, at full capacity, has 110 officers.
Currently, the police force has 11 vacancies, including seven patrol posts.
When the Getac body cameras arrive, they will be assigned to officers first and the older cameras will be provided to the rest of the force. Any additional older models will also be available as backup equipment for officers.
The cameras will require an estimated $13,700 annual cost for maintenance. The purchase also includes the full replacement of all cameras in two years.
The Getac cameras are expected to provide better security when officers upload videos for storage and increased battery capacity.
The department added body cameras to its tool box last year during a time when police departments across the nation started adding cameras to protect officers and the public.
Law enforcement agencies recognized value in recording police interactions after some police-involved shootings sparked protests and the need for more accountability.
West said the cameras provide an extra level of protection.
The department has been unable to fully equip all officers due to funding challenges, West said.
"It's definitely the trend," West said. "I would think all agencies are going to them."