Greenwood Police Chief Henry Purnell sounds almost like a child awaiting Santa on Christmas Eve as he plans for the addition of new security cameras for his department.
“I think we’re supposed to have a representative come here Aug. 1. We’ve already got the equipment here, the cameras and the server,” Purnell said.
After the technician from Safety Vision LLC of Houston, Texas, arrives, cameras will be installed in 11 patrol cars.
In addition, City Hall, the Police Department and the Police Annex will have new security cameras courtesy of a $100,000 federal technology grant, the chief said.
No city funds have been used to purchase the equipment. The cost of the entire system is $61,000.
Purnell said the system will automatically upload video from patrol cars if they are within 25 feet of headquarters.
Access to the actual videotape files is limited to Purnell and Lt. Bryon O’Bryant, the department’s training officer.
O’Bryant said it’s likely that two technicians will do the installation. He said each technician is capable of installing two camera systems per day.
The system, which includes body microphones for officers, will aid the police by recording conversations outside the vehicles. Such conversations are particularly helpful in cases involving domestic violence, the chief said.
The cameras will also be able to record suspects while they are sitting in patrol cars and also the immediate area outside the vehicle. “You know what they say: ‘A picture is worth a thousand words,’” he said.
Purnell said the system can provide valuable evidence that can stand up in court. It protects the officer and the public, he said.
The system automatically begins recording when the patrol car exceeds the posted legal speed limit.
Purnell said he plans to use the remaining grant funds to purchase 40 walkie-talkies and 15 vehicle radios for the department.
“This will be an asset to the Police Department,” he said.
,LI>Contact Bob Darden at bdarden@gwcommonwealth.com.
