Associated Press
GOSHEN, Ind. — The Elkhart County Council has approved buying body cameras for use by patrol officers and corrections officers, which Sheriff Brad Rogers says should reduce lawsuits against the department.
Studies show departments that use body cameras have seen a decrease in use of force by officers and a decrease in complaints against officers. The Elkhart Truth and The Goshen News report County Council on Saturday approved buying 70 cameras.
Rogers plans to have the cameras in use by the end of the year. The recordings will be placed on servers with three years of backup storage.
County Council also approved buy equipment that will allow corrections officers to find cell phones smuggled into the jail. Rogers says phones that are turned off or have no battery can still be detected.