Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Technology topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Selma adopts body-worn and in-car camera policy; federal funds paid for equipment
Summary
The council adopted a town policy for body-worn and in-car cameras after staff said officers already have been issued the hardware. Town officials credited former Congressman Wiley Nickel for directing federal funds to the camera project, which also includes license-plate-reader 'Flock' cameras at town gateways.
The Selma Town Council on May 8 adopted a policy governing body-worn cameras and in-car video systems for police officers. Major Bass presented the policy language, which the council adopted by voice vote.
Major Bass, speaking as the presenting officer, said all officers have been issued body cameras and that the department had completed installation of the in-car camera systems. He described the policy as adapted from other agencies that already use similar rules and noted that the council was reviewing redlined draft language. "All of our officers ... have been issued their body cameras," Major Bass said, and staff indicated vehicle cameras had been installed.
Funding: Council members acknowledged that the camera equipment was purchased with federal directed spending that former Congressman Wiley Nickel secured for the town. Officials also referenced installation of Flock license-plate-reader cameras at gateways into Selma; staff said the system will allow patrol officers to receive automated alerts when a plate of interest is captured.
Action taken: The council voted to adopt the body-worn and in-car camera policy. The meeting record shows a motion, a second and a voice vote; no roll-call tally was recorded in the transcript.
Discussion and oversight: Council members praised the deployment as a tool to preserve evidence and increase transparency. Staff noted a final review of redlines was in progress before formal policy publication.
Ending: With the policy adopted and equipment deployed, staff will finalize the written policy document and provide it for public access and departmental use.
