Sheriff asks commissioners to fund surveillance cameras at county parks after recent fights

Sheriff Ezel Brown asked the Newton County Board of Commissioners on April 15 to support the purchase and installation of surveillance cameras at the county’s recreational parks to help detect and investigate fights and other criminal activity.

“...I think it would be beneficial,” Sheriff Brown said, describing recent fights at Denny Dobbs, Stone Road Park and other sites and saying footage could make investigation and prosecution easier. He told the board his office’s real-time live crime center can view camera feeds and that some parks already have systems in place.

Brown said the sheriff’s office has exhausted available grant funds and smaller internal funding sources used earlier to install cameras at other sites. He said the county had obtained pledges from some power companies for access to power poles and that memoranda of understanding are under discussion.

Commissioner Edwards said surveillance is needed and asked staff for cost and maintenance estimates. “What I would ask though is, by next meeting or meeting after next, we have something a summary of projected costs and maintenance costs...so we can move forward with a decision as quickly as we can,” Edwards said. Manager James Brown replied that staff already had cost estimates for a couple parks and would follow up.

Commissioner Mason and Commissioner Henderson voiced support, saying cameras would assist law enforcement and parks staff and that community partners should be involved. Mason suggested cameras are one piece of a broader strategy including volunteer engagement and youth programs.

No formal vote was taken; the item remained a board discussion with staff direction to return with projected costs, maintenance estimates and implementation options for board consideration.