The next time you interact with a Kewaunee County Sheriff’s Deputy, you might be able to smile for the camera. The Kewaunee County Board will vote on outfitting the Kewaunee County Sheriff’s Department with body cameras for when they go out on duty. The total cost of the cameras is $61,273, with a grant secured by the Kewaunee County Sheriff’s Department covering approximately half of that. In addition to the initial cost of purchasing the units, instituting the program carries an annual maintenance fee of just over $8,400. The cameras will have to be replaced every three years. Board Chairperson Dan Olson says the grants they receive are crucial for any project like this undertaken by Kewaunee County.
The resolution before the board acknowledges that the use of body cameras by law enforcement has become the norm and has proven to be an effective tool for ensuring transparency and accountability. Seven states, including neighboring Illinois, have mandated law enforcement to wear body cameras. The meeting will take place on August 16th at 6 p.m. at the Kewaunee County Administration Center in Kewaunee. It will also be available online.
