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DeSoto Parish jury approves $7,000 budget amendment to start dash-camera service after debate
Summary
After jurors debated whether to equip the entire fleet, the DeSoto Parish Police Jury approved a $7,000 budget amendment to begin subscribing to and installing dash cameras in dump trucks, roll‑off trucks and permit officer vehicles; officials said full equipment and installation costs will be higher and will return with quotes.
DeSoto Parish — The DeSoto Parish Police Jury voted March 3 to amend the budget by $7,000 to start a dash‑camera subscription and initial installations for dump trucks, roll‑off trucks and permit officer vehicles after a lengthy discussion about fleet coverage and costs.
Parish Administrator explained the measure, saying the subscription and initial services that require budget amendment would yield an estimated insurance premium reduction of about 5% and provide required evidence in liability situations: "It's about a 5% reduction on your insurance premiums to have these cameras," the administrator said. The administrator added the $7,000 amount is for subscription services and that purchase and installation of equipment could be substantially higher, with equipment/installation quotes to follow.
Juror Miss Burrell and others pressed for cameras in all parish vehicles to ensure equal protection and documentation, arguing that cameras can protect operators and the public in crash and road‑rage incidents. An alternate motion to install cameras across the entire fleet failed on a juror vote. One juror asked, "Do we know how many vehicles we have?" to which the administrator responded the fleet is likely fewer than 100 vehicles and that a full quote would be provided.
The jury approved the original amendment (to cover specified vehicles) by voice vote. The administrator was directed to return with comprehensive pricing for equipping a broader portion of the fleet and to seek updated insurance discount estimates before any further spending.
The vote authorizes staff to proceed with subscription and initial installations for the identified vehicle classes and to report back with cost estimates for wider installation.
