Body Cameras Coming to County
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Body Cameras Coming to County
By Shane Gilreath
SCN Contributing Editor
[email protected]
The Scott County Sheriff’s Office is moving closer to implementing body cameras for its deputies following the recent donation of surplus equipment from the Fentress County Sheriff’s Office.
In a statement released this week, Sheriff Brian Keeton announced that his administration gladly accepted the donation after being contacted by Fentress County officials about the opportunity. Following approval from Fentress County counsel, the cameras were officially transferred to Scott County.
The donation comes as Scott County officials have discussed the importance of body camera usage in law enforcement. In recent months, Chief Brett Bond fielded questions at a Scott County Commission meeting regarding body cameras and their role in improving accountability, transparency, and public trust. According to Keeton, the newly acquired cameras represent “one step closer” to equipping road deputies with that technology.
“We believe body cameras are an important tool for transparency, accountability, and the safety of both deputies and the public we serve,” a statement from the sheriff read.
Before the cameras can be fully implemented, the department says it must complete several administrative and technical steps to ensure the system can be properly used, maintained, and managed. Once those procedures are finalized, Keeton plans to require mandatory body camera usage within the office.
The department is also seeking additional funding to expand the program. Earlier this year, the Sheriff’s Office submitted an application for a body camera grant and hopes to be selected for funding that would allow the purchase of additional cameras.
In preparing to implement the cameras, Keeton expressed his appreciation to Fentress County Sheriff Tommy Fowler and Kris Lewallen for helping make the donation possible.
“We appreciate the partnership and support from the Fentress County Sheriff’s Office and remain committed to moving Scott County law enforcement forward,” he said.
