ASHWAUBENON (NBC 26) — The Ashwaubenon Public Safety Department is hoping to raise money for new body cameras.
Sunday afternoon, Stadium View hosted a chili cook off and fundraiser to help raise funds for the department.
Delicious food, friendly competition and games were all part of the event.
Don Riha, a Lieutenant with the department says having body cameras for officers is important for many reasons.
“First of all there is some evidentiary value in having body cameras. Everything that is recorded and happens on scene basically can be played back in court under subpoena to say he said she said. It actually takes the burden of proof and credibility off the officers a little bit more, reinforces when we’re out there what kind of actions were taken,” Riha said.
He goes to say they help protect both the department and citizens all around.
“These body cameras will now be a tremendous upgrade because they’ll actually come on the call with us. They will be walking with us, talking with us all day long and all the time while we’re in patrol”, Riha said. “Along with that there are extra components that help us gather evidence. Make it easier for witnesses to communicate with us and to provide statements and other pictures to help support cases.”
While body cameras are a huge cost in itself, Riha said there’s even more related-costs.
“Major expense is the upgrade of the storage servers, keeping evidence for seven years or a lifetime, or whatever the law dictates,” Riha said.
He said the department has received a lot of help so far from area businesses and community members.
Riha said they’re very grateful with what they have been able to collect so far.
