Date: August 10, 2022
Publication: True North Radio Network
Location: Alpena, MI
“The Alpena County Sheriff’s Office is getting body cameras, new in-car cameras and approximately half of its fleet is being replaced.
Eight new vehicles will be rolling into the sheriff’s office this year, including six patrol vehicles, through the county’s new leasing program with Enterprise Fleet Management.
But those vehicles then needed to be outfitted with cages, special seats, window coverings, lights, and other equipment. On Tuesday, County Commissioners agreed to outfit the six new patrol vehicles at a cost of a little more than $76,000.
Sheriff Erik Smith also asked commissioners for 20 body cameras and seven new in-car cameras. He said the current in-car cameras have exceeded their life expectancy and have outdated technology. He said the body cameras will help keep deputies accountable, ensure public trust, and reduce liability for the sheriff’s office and the county.
Commissioners approved spending nearly $112,000 on the in-car and body cameras. That expense, along with outfitting the new patrol cars, will come out of the approximate $5.5 million the county received through The American Rescue Plan Act.”
