Ohio prisons systems to implement body cameras

The process to outfit state prison and parole staff with body camera is underway.

Annette Chambers-Smith, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction director. said in a release that staff training and the deployment of approximately 550 body-worn cameras for security supervisors across Ohio’s prisons began last month.

>> Dayton man pleads guilty to role in New Year’s overdoses

“These cameras will supplement our existing stationary camera systems and will help to capture areas we otherwise may not be able to see,” Chambers-Smith said.

Chamber-Smith said the goal of the body cameras was to improve safety, transparency and accountability.

>> ODH urges caution, recommends masking for Bengals fans heading to Saturday’s game

An additional 4,550 cameras are planned to be distributed and assigned to specifically-identified prison posts and individual parole officers in the Adult Parole Authority.

The goal is to complete the full roll out of body cameras throughout the first half of this year.