FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE :    Friday, January 23, 2015
CONTACT:  Sara Rabern (605)773-3215   

 
Clay County Sheriff’s Office and the Vermillion Police Department to Receive Money for Body Worn Police Cameras

 
PIERRE, S.D –   Attorney General Marty Jackley announced today that the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and the Vermillion Police Department have been awarded $27,348.60 for body worn police cameras to be used in drug investigations. The money was awarded out of the Drug Control Fund. The award will assist local law enforcement in drug control and apprehension purposes.

“The Drug Control Fund allows law enforcement to combat controlled substance abuse by funding local programs with monies seized from drug arrests,” said Jackley. “If a local law enforcement agency determines that body worn cameras will assist then I support partnering with the use of monies derived from criminal profits and activities.”

“Body worn cameras will be valuable in helping our officers in Vermillion and Clay County to demonstrate the facts of a case in court and remove any doubt.  They will also help resolve any use of force concerns, which could occur during custodial arrest situations,” said Clay County Sheriff Andy Howe.

The Attorney General’s Office has previously awarded the following agencies with body worn police cameras from the drug control fund:

2012 Belle Fourche Police Department  $8,433
2013 Custer County Sheriff’s Office   $11,690.31
2014 Freeman Police Department    $1,072.97
2014 Hutchinson County Sheriff’s Office   $1,213.76
 
 If you have any additional questions contact Sara Rabern at (605)773-3215.

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