Video: Deputies Receive Body Cams, Thanks To Crowd-Funding

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MONROE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Body cameras are becoming one of the most popular tools for law enforcement.

The long list of agencies using them is growing.

Now, one local agency is adding it’s name to that list.
Thanks to April Wilbanks,Nancy Bishop and community sponsors, Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies will soon begin wearing body cameras.

The two wives of deputies were motivated to launch a crowd funding campaign after one Monroe County deputy was shot in the line of duty this August.

“And thank God he has his vest on and he got help but that got us thinking it’s hit home now,” said Nancy Bishop.

Within two months, they raised $10,000, enough to purchase 20 cameras.

“It means it helps us prepare better evidence and video tape the things that are happening on traffic stops and on calls,” said Lt. John Bishop.
These compact body cameras are also equipped with night vision.
Monroe County Chief Deputy Curtis Knight says it creates a sense of accountability for the officers and the public.

“When they make a stop, they’ll notify the individual they’re in contact with the incident is being recorded just so they know. That will cut down on some of the violence once they know they’re being recorded,” said Chief Deputy Knight.

And for these wives, it means they feel more safe when their loved ones are on patrol.

“It makes me feel more secure,” added Bishop.

The deputies will start using the cameras once they complete a training course.