Montgomery Co. Sheriff's Deputies Get Body Cams

NORRISTOWN, PA — The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office will deploy 30 body cameras for deputies, they announced on Monday.

Sheriff Sean P. Kilkenny said the purchase of the Axon Body 2 cameras is not in response to any one incident but is rather in line with "the trend of agencies nationwide."

“The use of body-worn cameras by our law enforcement staff is a big step to further increase public safety, accountability, and transparency,” Kilkenny said in a statement. “The cameras will provide an independent lens for any situation that a deputy may encounter.”

The cameras cost $240 each, and the secure evidence storage costs about $13,500, officials said. They caputre up to two minutes of inaudible video while set in "buffer mode." About 70 hours of footage, including sound, can be recorded with the press of a button. Data must be retained for two years.

Not all deputies will wear them, due to restrictions under Pennsylvania law which prevent cameras inside courtrooms and detention areas. However, they will be deployed by the civil and warrants divisions, and deputies must keep them on at all times.

Specifically, they will be warn by deputies guarding the courthouse, enforcing protection from abuse orders, handling high-risk prisoner transports, and handling K9s.

Authorities also pointed to tangential benefits of the body cams, such as allowing commanders to watch real-time video of a active shooter or high-risk warrant being served.

The Sheriff's Office is seeking grants to help defray the cost of the cams.

Image courtesy Montgomery County Sheriff's Office