DeKalb sheriff’s cars to get video cameras

The rear-view mirrors of cars driven by DeKalb County sheriff’s deputies soon will include a built-in video camera and monitor.

Sheriff Thomas Brown said Thursday his deputies will be required to turn on the video recorder when they make a traffic stop or serve an arrest warrant. The camera also can record video and audio of prisoners in the back seat.

Brown said the videos will be used to document deputies’ conduct in case of citizen complaints. He said it is possible to expand the system later to send live video of high-risk situations back to headquarters.

The $151,000 cost for 35 of the devices is being covered by confiscated drug funds, Brown said.

The mirror-cameras already are used by some other local agencies, including Doraville police. DeKalb police chief Terrell Bolton has asked the county commission to fund dashboard cameras for his department.