Hernando County commissioners approve immediate funding for sheriff’s body‑worn camera program, direct staff to seek grants

Hernando County Commissioners voted 5–0 Oct. 28 to fund a countywide body‑worn camera program proposed by the sheriff’s office and to pursue federal grants and other funding sources, including a possible half‑cent sales tax, to defray costs.

The sheriff’s office presented a plan that would equip uniformed road personnel, traffic, marine, school resource officers and certain bailiffs with body cameras and replace/on‑contract Tasers to integrate camera activation. Sheriff Al Amin said the program could be started right away but would require substantial upfront spending; he and Captain John McMurdo described a 10‑year contract with vendor Axon and projected first‑year costs higher because of initial equipment purchase and setup.

McMurdo told commissioners the office had identified 294 body cameras to cover staff who now carry Tasers and estimated year‑one camera costs at about $2,638,819 and recurring annual costs thereafter of roughly $929,515, with an additional estimated $258,229 in year‑one personnel to…