Police body cams face unclear future in Franklin County

The possible use of police body cameras in Franklin County depends on increased funding and internal policy changes, local law enforcement officials say.

     Nationwide debate over body cameras has grown significantly in recent months following controversial events in New York and Ferguson, Mo. Supporters say recorded video evidence would clear up questions of police wrongdoing during an arrest or other altercation, in turn creating an added layer of protection for citizens and officers. A handful of law enforcement agencies in Iowa have responded by purchasing the cameras for their patrol units.

     Though criminal activity in Franklin County pales in comparison to larger urban areas, local discussion about body cams hasn’t been entirely absent. Franklin County Sheriff Larry Richtsmeier and Hampton Police Chief Bob Schaefer endorse the devices, but significant hurdles could hinder their use at the local level in the immediate future.

    Read the full article in the January 21 edition of the Hampton Chronicle.