St. Mary Parish Sheriff Blaise Smith announced Thursday that the uniformed patrol division of the sheriff's office has acquired body-worn cameras and deputies are now being trained for the new technology.
The sheriff's office received Axon Body 3 cameras, which features enhanced low-light performance, reduced motion blur, and other capabilities.
Sheriff Smith directed the order of the body cams and writing of SMPSO policy. The deputies are being trained during shift change for the new technology and being outfitted with the cameras. He says that it is a decision that is "long overdue" for St. Mary Parish.
"I believe that there is a need for body-worn cameras in this day in age. I feel that they protect the public as well as the officers. There is no reason not to have them and they can be a valuable tool in making justice prevail."
Smith said body cameras have been on his wish list for quite awhile, but it was an expenditure that had to wait. However, it's an expense that the sheriff's office is now able to handle.
"Managing the finances of the agency better has put us in the position of being able to acquire equipment like this has been badly needed."
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