Hillsborough Sheriff Unveils Body Cams To Be Worn By Deputies

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — Body-worn cameras are now being distributed to uniformed patrol deputies at the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Chad Chronister made the announcement on Monday.

The 1,000 body-worn cameras will be worn by uniformed patrol deputies through the rank of sergeant, including specialty units such as school resource deputies, the K9 section, marine unit, port security, civil process and court security deputies.

“These are the deputies who have the most interaction with the community we serve,” said Chronister. “We’ve seen disheartening situations around our country recently, from civil unrest to vandalism, caused by a perceived lack of trust in law enforcement. We have heard the nationwide calls for change, and I am confident these body-worn cameras will further our commitment at the sheriff’s office of continuing to build trust through transparency.”

Deputies began training with the Axon Body 3 cameras on Aug. 10. As each deputy is trained to use the equipment and the standard operating procedures surrounding it, they will be equipped with their camera the same day. All the cameras are expected to be distributed by the end of September.

In June, Chronister went before the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners requesting body-worn cameras for the office. Chronister estimated the cost of equipping his deputies with body cameras at $14 million including hiring three full-time employees responsible for logging in and storing the video and handling public records requests. Commissioners approved funding for the body cameras in a 6-1 vote.

“I believe the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is one of the most professional law enforcement agencies,” said Chronister. “The overwhelming majority of our interactions with the public are positive. We have great deputies doing great work under tremendously stressful situations, and this technology is going to document these interactions.”

The Axon Body 3 will be worn in the center of the chest. The cameras have the ability to automatically activate in certain circumstances, such as a deputy removing his firearm from the holster or when the light bar is activated in their patrol vehicles. The Axon Body 3 is also equipped with livestreaming capabilities that will allow supervisors to view the cameras in real time during a critical incident.

Chronister said agencies that have implemented body-worn cameras have seen a reduction in use of force incidents and citizen complaints.

“I believe these cameras will provide reassurance for our deputies that their justified split-second decisions under extreme conditions will not be second guessed,” Chronister said. “Having video evidence will provide clarity for everyone involved and hold all parties accountable.”

See related story: Tampa Police, Sheriff's Office Get Approval For Body Cams