The Eddy County Sheriff’s Office has expressed positive feedback regarding its recent implementation of the use of body cameras.
The ECSO purchased 37 Wolfcom Vision body cameras, and Lt. Mike Chavarria, who manages the department’s body camera program, says it is working well for the agency.
“With everything that’s been going on across the country involving law enforcement, our department decided to start a body camera program because we wanted to be more accountable for our actions in the field and document all of the contact we have with individuals every day,” said Chavarria. “The body cameras also help us with court purposes … for video evidence when we need to go to court.”
The ECSO currently has 42 uniformed deputies.
“The decision to purchase the Wolfcom Vision was made by the sheriff and captains,” said Chavarria. “They saw the need for the body cameras. They’ve helped us out a lot. They’ve been of most help with documenting traffic stops and DUI apprehensions. We can pull up the body camera video in court.
“The best feature that our officers like is using the body camera to take still pictures when they need to. All we have to do is push a button and it kicks on … and that you can take pictures and use it for interviewing people in the field.”
“Body cameras have become vital tools for law enforcement agencies looking to document their officers’ interactions with the public,” said Wolfcom founder Peter Austin Onruang. “This is why we manufacture a top-quality body camera, the Wolfcom Vision, to meet the needs of agencies like the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office.
“We’re glad the officers find the Vision’s multi-function capabilities so helpful in their daily work.”
The ECSO’s policy is that the body cameras be used to record all contact with the public.
“Most of the officers wear them on their shoulder lapel,” said Chavarria. “They work great. For what we use it for, it has everything we need.”
