Sheriff Ken Hammack stands with Tim and Glenda Roberts during a press confrence to introduce the new body cameras to the media. The Roberts' made a generous donation to the Sheriff's Office for the purchase of body cams.
Sheriff Hammack Holds Press Conference to Introduce Body Cams, LIVINGSTON, February 17, 2016 - At 1:30 pm on February 17, 2016, Polk County Sheriff, Ken Hammack, held a press conference to introduce body cameras that begin use immediately for the deputies of the Polk County Sheriff's Office. "With the ever changing law enforcement profession, it is important to utilize all forms of technology to fight crime effectively", Hammack said. "It is important for law enforcement to acquire these tools, often difficult to obtain because of budget constraints". Hammack was proactive in seeking outside funding when trying to obtain these technological advances.
In December, the Sheriff's Office received a generous donation from Tim and Glenda Roberts of Livingston for the purchase body cameras for deputies. After this initial donation, the Sheriff's Office received more funding from the Texas Department of Transportation to purchase more body cameras. From these contributions, the Sheriff's Office was able to begin the process of equipping its deputies with body cameras. In January, the Sheriff's Office received confirmation of an additional grant from the Governor's Office to acquire 25 more body cameras.
The idea behind the use of body cameras is to protect all parties involved from false accusations or possible improprieties as everything will be recorded.
Deputies with the Polk County Sheriff's Office check out the new body cams on Wednesday afternoon.
Deputy Joshua Sanders wears a body cam.
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