CARMEL – Putnam County Sheriff Robert Langley, Jr. is going to include in his 2021 budget funding for body cameras for deputies.
He said the sheriff’s office has been using cameras in all patrol cars for more than 20 years. That has increased documented evidence to aid in prosecution as well as decrease frivolous complaints, he said.
Adding body cams will enhance the office and aid in documenting more evidence, Langley said.
County Executive MaryEllen Odell said the additional technology would be useful, but the cost is an issue.
“Our concern always here in county government, particularly with the impact that COVID has had in our economic community, is how the funding would be procured for that equipment; if New York State would be assisting in grants or programs,” she said.
Odell said the cost of training must also be factored in.
Langley could not be reached for comment on Monday to determine the cost of implementing the body cam program.
He must secure the support of the county legislature for the funding to be approved.
