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Golf Manor explores dash‑cam and body‑camera upgrades; one patrol vehicle slated for replacement
Summary
Police briefed the finance committee on aging body‑camera and in‑car camera systems that may require roughly $120,000 to fully replace; one patrol vehicle budgeted for replacement was also noted.
Golf Manor police officials told the village finance committee that their current WatchGuard body‑camera and in‑car video equipment is failing and may require a phased replacement that could cost roughly $120,000. Committee members were also told that one patrol vehicle (vehicle 216, an older Ford Explorer) is budgeted for replacement.
Captain Reed and other police staff said the department’s camera equipment is seven years old and exhibiting problems including screen discoloration and connectivity issues after corporate ownership changes. The department received a quote that would replace in‑car and body‑worn systems for all officers and vehicles; an immediate “house‑in‑order” step was estimated at roughly $20,000 to restore basic interoperability.
Police said they will pursue grant funding (state JAG and DOJ programs) to offset the cost; if grants are not secured, the village may need to phase purchases or use contingency funds. Committee members gave the department permission to continue sourcing vehicles and pursue grants for camera replacement.
Why it matters: Video systems play a central role in evidence gathering and transparency; police cited a recent Interstate 75 incident where lack of in‑vehicle video complicated the review. Officials said the goal is to maintain continuity of recorded evidence and reduce risk from failing hardware.
Details and next steps: The department will attempt to secure grants and, where feasible, transition to a single provider to avoid compatibility problems. The patrol vehicle replacement remains budgeted; staff said they are sourcing preapproved dealers through the OhioBuys protocol and have committee support to continue procurement work.
