AVON — Officers with the Avon Police Department are now outfitted with body cameras, which the agency says will allow them to better protect the community and themselves, and increase transparency.
A $30,000 grant from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security made it possible.
All 38 officers on staff with the Avon Police Department have them. It's a move Deputy Chief Brian Nugent says is important.
"So the idea that these camera systems can preclude us from being in a situation where we say, 'The officer neglected to turn on their body camera, they did not have it activated,' this technology allows us to not have to worry about that," said Nugent.
Officers with the department say it gives them comfort.
"If there is any question about how I handle a situation or say something happens to me ... Unfortunately, we live in a society and a time period where officers are being ambushed. Just having that documentation, that recording can help detect and really proceed that investigation and hopefully catch the people who are doing those things," said Sgt. James Schwartz a seven-year veteran with the department.
Each body camera is about $1,000. The recordings are in 4K resolution.
The department received the funding for the cameras through the Criminal Justice Reform Bill, also known as House Bill 1006. The money was granted through the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.
-
Fishers debuts free indoor holiday event Jingle Bell Junction for families
Fishers is bringing holiday magic indoors with its first-ever Jingle Bell Junction, a free winter wonderland event running through the next few days at the Nickel Plate Amphitheater.
Northridge neighbors push for safety upgrades as Brownsburg grows
Neighbors in the Northridge subdivision say speeding has gotten out of control, and town leaders are now moving toward safety upgrades they hope will slow drivers down before someone gets hurt.
IU's DE Stephen Daley expected to miss the rest of this season, playoffs
Defensive end Stephen Daley is expected to miss the College Football Playoff after getting injured during No. 1 Indiana’s Big Ten championship celebration.
Coach Steichen says Colts will decide Rivers' playing status by week's end
The Colts will decide by the end of the week on whether newly signed practice squad quarterback Philip Rivers will be available for Sunday's game in Seattle, head coach Shane Steichen said Wednesday.