JSO could soon implement body-camera pilot program

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — For the first time, we’re hearing concrete details about a potential body-camera pilot program for the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.

The new information was revealed during a news briefing about Thursday night’s officer-involved shooting in the Northside.

Undersheriff Pat Ivey said the Sheriff’s Office has been in talks with two body-camera vendors.

The issue of funding still has to be worked out but JSO said it would like to see the pilot program in place by early to mid-2017.

The Southern Christian Leadership Conference Jax Chapter Communications Director Ben Frazier said the use of body cameras by local officers would go a long way to restoring confidence.

“We need body cams for accountability and to increase trust between law enforcement and the community,” said Frazier.

The issue again came up after 24-year-old Keith Crowder was shot by Officer Serge Paul during a traffic stop Thursday.

According to JSO, Crowder refused to obey the officer's commands but it's still unclear what caused the officer to shoot him.

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A loaded gun was found inside Crowder’s car.

Ivey agreed there are advantages to having body cameras.

“I know in conversations with the sheriff that we would like body cameras be a reality as soon as possible,” said Ivey.

Frazier said they not only want to see body cameras but they’ve also reached out to City Hall to propose creating a citizen advisory board and getting a third party like the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to investigate officer involved shootings.

“We don't like you investigating yourselves. We need to sit and talk, we are reasonable people we're not against the law. We're not against law enforcement what we want is justice,” said Frazier.

According to JSO, the body camera pilot program would require a “small ask” of money but a long term plan depends on city leaders providing funding.

Frazier said so far they’ve gotten a lukewarm response from city officials to their proposals but he said Mayor Lenny Curry has acknowledged receiving their letter.

Frazier said he’s working on setting up meetings with city leaders.

Cox Media Group