ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, N.C. -- The Rockingham Sheriff's Office first got body cameras a little over two years ago. Soon they'll begin a new contract with a different company.
- Axon cameras have more capabilities than the brand that the deputies currently use.
- Along with the wearable technology, Axon is also providing cloud storage for the footage.
- Page thinks the move will help the department be transparent, and protect both deputies and citizens.
"We'll have a five year contract with Axon, and all my officers that carry body cameras will have the body cameras, and then in about two to two and a half years they'll transition to an upgraded new camera system," Sheriff Sam Page said.
Axon is a popular company that law enforcement departments around the country and Triad use. The cameras have more capabilities than the brand that the deputies currently use. Page says the video has wider angle and better audio. The cameras are also more durable.
Along with the wearable technology, Axon is also providing cloud storage for the footage. It will help the department share and keep video more easily.
"We don't have to burn the disks anymore. There's a process for it. The administrative offices of the court has a program also that communicates electronically through the different district attorneys' offices. So we're moving ahead into the 21st century," said Page.
The proposed contract was approved by county commissioners in December, and the money will come out of the county's set budget.
Page thinks the move will help the department be transparent, and protect both deputies and citizens.
"I think it helps us reduce liabilities. Every time an agency gets sued that's potential tax dollars, and we want to do our part to reduce those liabilities and also be transparent to the public."