Cameron County Precinct 5 Deputy Constables will soon get body cameras for the first time, at no cost to tax payers.
Constable Eddie Solis said the cameras will be purchased with forfeiture funds– money that has been awarded to the department after seizing items, such as illegal drugs or money.
“The deputy knows that there is a camera there, so maybe their attitude will change a little bit when they do approach somebody, and the community will feel safer that they are being recorded,” Solis said. “For evidence purposes, it’s there– you can’t lie that you did this or that, you are going to catch it on the camera.”
Forfeiture funds have also made it possible for Solis to purchase five new rifles, and new bulletproof vests.
“I think each body camera can range between $800 to $1,000,” said Solis. “It’s not just the body camera, there is software that comes with it and a docking station, and so it can get up there.”
Solis aims to purchase at least five cameras for ten full-time deputy constables. Solis said he plans to have his deputy constables swap between the morning and night shifts.
The constable’s office is currently reviewing proposals from different companies to see which body cameras will better suit the department.
