The Racine County Sheriff’s Office could soon have new technology to protect both law enforcement and the residents they’re serving. It automatically turns on police body cameras when deputies take certain actions and could change the way law enforcement respond to dangerous incidents.
For nearly three years, Deputy Geoff Thompson has been wearing a body camera while on patrol in Racine County.
“The body camera has definitely helped," Thompson said. "It kind of paints the true picture and tells the true story as to what’s happening or what had happened."
However, along the way it’s come with its challenges.
“It was something extra to think about as far as, ‘Am I going to remember to turn on my camera when I’m responding to a call?’” Thompson said.
In dangerous situations, that’s not exactly his or other deputies’ first thought, and it’s why the Racine County Sheriff’s Office is planning to get new technology allowing deputies and corrections officers to focus on the matter at hand.
“This is going to help us during those stressful, fluid, violent situations where you’re thinking about saving your life and the lives around you, and there just isn’t time to turn this on,” Sheriff Chris Schmaling said.
It’s made by a company called Axon that produces their body cameras, and just removing a firearm from their holster activates their body camera.
The same happens if they turn on their taser, lights on their squad car or unlock a box with weapons located inside their squad.
“I don’t have to remember to turn on my camera, the equipment does it for me,” Thompson said.
Any of these actions also activate the body cameras of other deputies in the vicinity so they capture all perspectives.
In total, to equip each deputy and corrections officer, it would cost about $86,000 and would be paid for with inmate commissary money, but first, the county board will need to approve the proposal.
Thompson remains optimistic, and looks forward to having some peace of mind on the job.
“Having this extra piece of equipment that they’re going to purchase for us and install, it’s going to make our lives just a little bit easier,” he said.
The sheriff’s office hopes to have the technology up and running before the end of this year.
