Ottawa County sheriff purchases body cameras

PORT CLINTON — The Ottawa County Sheriff's Office has a new set of eyes to protect area residents.Local officials purchased 27 GoPro body cameras for sheriff deputies to wear at all times while on duty. The cameras, which were purchased from Intrinsic, can take high-definition video and photos on the fly. "The cameras go a long way toward transparency," Ottawa County Capt. Scott Frank said. "They're also valuable tools for evidence gathering, and they can certainly assist should a complaint get filed about a deputy."Frank described the value of deputies wearing body cameras, which they began doing so less than a month ago."We can look at the conduct of residents and of the deputy," Frank said. "It goes both ways. I think these are valuable tools."Ottawa County commissioners approved the $26,300 purchase in November. The cameras were paid for through a combination of taxpayer dollars and grant funds. "As a captain, it's invaluable to be able to see how our deputies handle calls firsthand," Frank said. "I can start my day by going through some of our videos, and I'm pleased with our deputies' conduct."The cameras feature an extraordinarily wide view range — almost 170 degrees in all directions — along with the latest software and video technologies.For instance, footage captured on these cameras can download to the sheriff's office database almost immediately.Deputies can plug their cameras into their onboard computers in each sheriff cruiser. The footage can then be added as evidence for court cases.Ottawa County Sheriff Office's Sgt. Kent Davis shows off one of the new body cameras in use by the department on Thursday, March 2, 2017. "When someone sees the camera, they become transfixed," Ottawa County Sgt. Kent Davis said. "So far, from what I've seen, the cameras have worked out beautifully."Davis, who said he was initially concerned about the cameras, is thrilled about wearing a body camera."I've had false accusations throughout my career, and that's when the cameras would come in handy," Davis said. "They take away all doubt."Reach reporter Patrick Pfanner at pfanner@sanduskyregister.com, follow him on Twitter @PatPfanner and follow the Register at Facebook.com/SanduskyRegisterA new body camera is secured to Sgt. Kent Davis' uniform at the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office on Thursday, March 2, 2017.