Colusa County Sheriff Deputies to wear Body Cameras

The Colusa County Sheriff’s Department has been testing Body Cameras for its deputies for the last year said, Lt. Russ Jones.

“I’ve been testing the body cameras long before they became a necessity,” said Lt. Jones, “we wanted to make sure we had the right equipment that would work well with us and the correct policies in place.”

The Colusa County Sheriff’s Department selected the LE3 by VieVu as its final contender.

“Our goal is to roll out the cameras in stages,” said Lt. Jones, “We will begin using them during the Stonyford Rodeo weekend.”

The VieVu records video at 1280 x 720 HD resolution with a 68 degree of view and can record up to 12 hours of video.

“Our selection was the best fit for our department,” said Lt. Jones.

The Colusa County Sheriff’s Department has purchased enough for every officer at this time, said Jones. The devices each costing over $800 and have a life expectancy of four years.

“It is important to protect the public and our deputies,” said Assistant Sheriff, Jim Saso, “by having cameras we are continuing the Sheriff’s goal to make our department as transparent as possible.”

Colusa City Police Department received approval during the March 17, Colusa City Council to lease the same cameras and would be funded through grants.

Colusa Police Chief, Josh Fitch commented during the Council Meeting that Colusa Police Officers will be given the opportunity to wear the cameras but were not required to do so, according to policy.

“The Body Worn Cameras will provide more transparency to the public and would continue to protect the officers, the department, and city,” said Chief Fitch. <