Commission approves body cameras for sheriff’s office

The Covington County Commission approved an expense of $75,000 for the purchase of 30 body-worn cameras for deputies in the sheriff’s department during a meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 11.

The body-worn cameras were presented during a prior meeting where the commission approved the county’s annual budget. According to Sheriff Blake Turman, the cameras were included in his department’s budget.

“We are requesting to be able to purchase the cameras (at this time). Our policy is also that all officers will have a body camera because it is smart these days. Not every officer has one because I do not have enough to be in policy,” Turman said.

“Most of the current body cameras we have are at the end of their lifespan with the batteries,” Patrol Chief Alan Syler added.

The CCSO currently has 16 road deputies and seven investigators along with three full-time deputies at the courthouse and a few who are part-time. Turman said the school resource officers at each of the county schools would also be equipped with the cameras.

“Our SROs do not currently have the cameras. We would like to equip them with the cameras for the same reason as our regular deputies,” Turman said.

Currently, Straughn has one SRO responsible for the elementary, middle, and high schools with plans to add another.

The commission approved the purchase by a 3-0 vote with Dist. 3 Commissioner Lynne Holmes abstaining, citing she needed additional information.

In other business:

• The commission discussed the current audio and video system used in the commission chambers. Commissioner Tommy McGaha made a motion to approve upgrades to the system, but failed due to lack of a second.
• The commission approved a mileage and per diem reimbursement for two employees from the Board of Registrars to attend a one-day class in Montgomery.
• The commission approved a procedure for appropriation requirements, which asks that any business or organization seeking donations come to a meeting or workshop and provide detailed information.
• The commission adopted two resolutions in relation to Alabama’s Open Records Act. The first resolution was for the county to be in compliance with the current state law. The second resolution was to designate Communications Director Kyle Adams as the county’s primary public officer.
• The commission approved the purchase of a skid steer with mulcher, a mini excavator, and a trailer for the Engineer’s Department. These purchases will be made as funds become available.
• The commission was to consider changes to a manning chart and workforce classification for the Engineer’s Department. Chairman Michael Smith requested to table the matter to a future meeting.
• The commission approved changes in a manning chart and workforce classification of personnel in the Covington Center Arena.
• The commission was to discuss approval of entering into a contract with WAAO radio station. Chairman Smith asked the commission to consider the matter at a later date with no opposition to the request.
• The commission approved declaring several vehicles in the Sheriff’s Office as surplus. Chairman Smith said a company based in Mobile would research each vehicle for $100 and return paperwork to the sheriff. The funds used will be pulled from the sheriff’s discretionary funds and then reimbursed to the sheriff once each vehicle is disposed of.
• The commission approved declaring containers for use in the Engineer’s Department as surplus.
• Sheriff Turman announced a promotion of one of his patrol sergeants, Eric Bradley, to investigator.

The commission will hold its next workshop Thursday, Feb. 20, at 9 a.m. The next meeting of the Covington County Commission will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 9 a.m. The public is invited to attend both.