- April 23, 2024
-
-
Loading
Loading
Deputies with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office could some day wear video cameras in their lapels to provide greater transparency for deputies’ actions while on duty, and also to provide a video account of suspects’ actions.
Jim Manfre, who will take over as Flagler’s new sheriff Jan. 8, met with media representatives Dec. 13, at the WNZF News Radio offices in Bunnell.
“It will take money, and it won’t be right away,” Manfre said of the plans for lapel cameras. He added that the cameras could help to deter deputies from doing anything inappropriate if that is their “instinct,” because they would know their actions would be recorded. If a suspect accuses a deputy of doing something inappropriate, the video could help to clear a deputy of wrongdoing.
Manfre, who was joined in the meeting by his future No. 2 in command, Rick Staly, also said he plans to accept the offer that was put forth by the city in an April 24 workshop to have a 24-hour substation in the city of Palm Coast offices at City Marketplace. Current Sheriff Donald Fleming declined that offer.
In his interview with the Palm Coast Observer, published Aug. 1, Manfre said that by having a substation in City Marketplace, “we’d have better rapport with the city management and the ordinance department, which works very closely with the Sheriff’s Office. And there would be a place where the community would come in and speak to it.”
He said he will reveal more details about his plans for the agency Jan. 8.
