(ANGOLA) - A candidate for Steuben County sheriff is calling for mandatory use of body cameras by sheriff's deputies, arguing the technology would improve accountability for both officers and the public.
The Herald Republican reports that Sheriff's Office detective first sergeant Chris Emerick said he supports requiring body-worn cameras if elected, noting the department is one of the few law enforcement agencies in the county that does not currently mandate their use.
Emerick said most local police departments and Indiana State Police already use body cameras and described the devices as a safeguard against misconduct claims and false complaints. He said footage allows supervisors to review incidents objectively when questions arise.
The estimated upfront cost of equipping deputies with body cameras would be about $27,000, with annual software and data storage costs projected at $30,000 to $35,000. Emerick said he would seek funding through the Steuben County Board of Commissioners and County Council if elected.
Emerick made the comments while speaking at a recent Steuben County Republican Chairman's Breakfast. He is seeking the Republican nomination in the May primary.