SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT BODY CAMERAS APPROVED

Escambia County Commissioners have approved funding for body cameras. Sheriff Chip Simmons says deputies should start using the cameras in two months and all deputies will have them by October. Greg Marcille, Assistant State Attorney, says the cameras can reduce the number of trials because the evidence is available, which can result in a larger number of pleas. $950,000 from CARES funding will be used for the cameras, as well as an increase in the Sheriff’s budget to pay staff to manage and store the cameras and footage.

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