PANAMA CITY — A large majority of Bay County law enforcement agencies do not use body cams, and several local leaders express a skeptical outlook on using the technology.
Of the local police agencies contacted, only in the Mexico Beach Police Department have authorities taken steps to implement police body cameras, but a bill introduced into the Florida House of Representatives would require body cameras for all Florida police officers who primarily are assigned to patrol duties. While some Bay County law enforcement leaders reacted more positively toward using technology to enhance public service, most preferred to await more definitive research.
Panama City Police Chief Scott Ervin also expressed a concern for costs, beyond the common cost of about $450 per camera.
“We are always looking at technology that will enhance our operations,” he said. “Equipping officers would entail working the researching, ‘trial and error’ testing and funding of a system into the budget, as there will be infrastructure, storage and maintenance costs associated with the units as well.”
Panama City Beach Police Chief Drew Whitman said they also are looking into the cost of the cameras.
“Although the use of body cams is authorized, currently each officer that wishes to utilize them must do so at his or her expense,” he said. “Protecting the rights of our citizens and officers has always been among our highest priorities. Because this technology is such a useful tool in protecting those rights, and in law enforcement in general, we are currently in the process of evaluating the cost of purchasing and maintaining such equipment.”
However, in reaction to the national debate that has been fueled by fatal incidents in New York and Missouri, President Barack Obama proposed spending $263 million to increase the use of the cameras and to take other steps, such as expanding law-enforcement training. The money is supposed to mitigate the cost for departments with funding concerns.
While 76 percent of News Herald readers who participated in an online poll have said they preferred the use of the body cams, local leaders cautioned against a “knee-jerk” reaction to the current national debate of police force and the public.
“At this point, I do not believe this is a critical issue for the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, and I will not force changes based on issues and events in other cities and involving other law enforcement agencies,” said Sheriff Frank McKeithen. “Hopefully our recent participation in the LEAD Coalition will help address any issues we encounter between our law enforcement and our citizens.”
Concerns of rights violations also are an issue of local law enforcement.
“There are concerns related to privacy — both citizen and officer,” said Springfield Police Chief Philip Thorne. “… I am not necessarily opposed to the use of cameras, but I also do not believe it prudent to emotionally jump on a bandwagon. I want to ensure that nothing my agency does violates any citizen rights; puts the officer, agency or city at liability risk, or administratively begin operating in a way that is burdensome.”
McKeithen urged being skeptical of the motives of some who support body cameras.
“Let’s not also overlook the sudden urgency, which not only comes from some concerned citizens with good intentions, but also certain businesses and vendors who stand to profit from exploiting such an emotional event,” he said.