County approves use of body worn video cameras
News | Published on December 19, 2023 at 3:47pm EST | Author: henningmaster
0Cameras to be purchased with state funding
By Tom Hintgen
Otter Tail County Correspondent
County Commissioners, on Dec. 12 and following a public comment period, gave approval for implementation of the use of body worn video cameras for sheriff deputies and corrections officers in 2024. Citizen approval was close to 85 percent.
“The body cameras will be used to record interactions between law enforcement and suspects, victims and witnesses,” said Otter Tail County Sheriff Barry Fitzgibbons.
“These devices also record audio and video and are used to document citizen and officer behavior and capture evidence,” Fitzgibbons said. “Body cameras have been shown to reduce civilian complaints, enhance accountability for the public and law enforcement, increase transparency and reduce civil liability.”
The body cameras used in Otter Tail County will be paid for through the Public Safety Aid Program, passed during the 2023 Minnesota legislative session. The Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office already utilizes squad car mounted cameras in their marked squad cars.
Some citizen comments
• “The use of body worn video cameras will protect sheriff deputies as well as those they interact with.”
• “Wearing cameras can support their efforts and document their actions. If this enhances their ability and safety in doing their job, I’m all for it.”
• Body worn video cameras should be worn with any contact with people for the safety of the deputies. I would not feel uncomfortable being recorded if I were pulled over. If there’s video there’s no question as to what took
place during an encounter.”
• “Deputies should wear body cameras to also protect themselves. There would be no question who did what. It would be on tape.”
• “The cameras would prevent people from lying about deputy behavior during an interaction.”
• “Knowing that their actions are being recorded can deter individuals from escalating situations, reducing the likelihood of confrontations turning violent.”
• “Implementing this technology sends a message that sheriff deputies are dedicated to transparency and accountability, improving the overall perception of the county sheriff office.”