Chatham County deputies will be introducing body cameras to their equipment beginning early next year.

Sheriff Mike Roberson says the cameras will be introduced gradually within three years with the ultimate goal being to equip all deputies with cameras, including those who work in the Detention and Justice Centers.

“Body cameras are just a natural progression of our in car cameras that we already have and we are supplementing that to capture more evidence from multiple perspectives. Obviously no system is perfect but body cameras are a big step towards increasing transparency, accountability and trust,” said Roberson.

Roberson says he thinks the progression into cameras will not be difficult because deputies already use similar audio recorders and because the new cameras will work with equipment they already have.

“The good thing we have with our cameras that we went with already fit with the cameras that are in our cars, so they download at the same time, we can use the same servers, so it’s an easy way to baby step in,” Roberson said.

Though Roberson believes body cameras to be a positive move for Chatham County, he says there are still concerns about when officers will turn body cameras on and privacy for both officers and the public.

“We need to make sure that we’re not violating privacy rights when we go into people’s houses, and conditions that people’s houses are in, or maybe they are upset, or maybe they’re a victim and we’re still running the camera and you know, certain things it may not be best to have in the public,” said Roberson.

Deputies will be unable to keep body cameras on at all times because of the high expenses related to storing and sorting footage.

According to Roberson, deputies will go through training related to the new body cameras.

“Honestly, we look at every use of force situation and every traffic stop is reviewed by a supervisor, so they’ll be training on that of, “hey, you didn’t turn it on here,” or you know, “you need to do a better job in these areas”, so there’ll be on the job training,” said Roberson.

Funding for the body cameras is provided by Chatham County through its Capital Improvement Plan but the Sheriff’s Office is researching grant opportunities to help offset costs.

Related Stories
‹
Chatham County Roundup: New County Commissioner Mike Roberson
Chatham County Commissioner and Former Sheriff Mike Roberson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, July 29. He discussed his decades long service in law enforcement prior to his retirement earlier this month. He also discussed his new role on the Chatham County Board of Commissioners, including what motivated him to pursue the role of commissioner, and more.
On Air Today: Sam Brownfield of Rocky River Hemp on NC House Bill 328
Rocky River Hemp owner Sam Brownfield spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, July 28. He discussed in detail NC House Bill 328, titled the "Regulate Hemp-Derived Consumables" bill, and what that would mean to local hemp businesses in the state.
The Morning News: Rani Dasi, UNC Football, and the Red Cross
In today's news: Chapel Hill-Carrboro School Board member Rani Dasi is appointed to fill a seat on the Orange County Board of Commissioners.
As Chatham County Keeps Growing Its Parks and Recreational Options, Tracy Burnett Leads the Way
Tracy Burnett, who is one of Chatham County’s longest tenured employees, provides steady and welcoming leadership in the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources department.
Chatham County Roundup: Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp on New Planning Director, Parks Update, More
Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, July 28, discussing town news and events. He talked about the town's hiring of a new planning director, and the responsibilities and expectations of that role. He also discussed some recent developments at town parks, the latest on the new Town Hall, the upcoming round of PBO 101, and more.
Red Cross Declares Blood Crisis: Here's Where You Can Donate Locally
The American Red Cross is calling for immediate blood donations, declaring a national blood crisis for the second time in history.
The Morning News: Citizenship, Crime, Parks, and UNC Football
In today's news: a UNC law professor weighs in on last month's Supreme Court ruling upholding 'birthright citizenship' in the Constitution.
Chatham County Roundup: Commissioner Karen Howard on the National Association of County Commissioners
Chatham County Commissioner Karen Howard spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, July 22, discussing county news and events. She recapped her time at the National Association of County Commissioners (NACo) in Louisiana earlier this week. She discussed major takeaways, recurring themes for counites, and what she feels Chatham doing well based on interactions at the conference. She also talked about upcoming county events and more.
Pittsboro Man Arrested For Domestic Violence Against Wife and Son, Killing Dog
The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Pittsboro man after a domestic violence incident led to an armed standoff with police.
The Morning News: 'Hello, Dolly!' at PlayMakers, Animal Cruelty Charges in Siler City
In today's news: PlayMakers Repertory Company's Summer Youth Conservatory celebrates its 20th year with the musical "Hello, Dolly!"
›