New body cameras and tasers for the police

To comply with new state law, the Seneca police chief is requesting funds to buy body cameras for his officers and new tasers to subdue uncooperative suspects.  Chief John Covington gave a quote to the mayor and the council last night from a company that does business with the Oconee Sheriff’s Office.  To provide 27 body cameras and related equipment, Taser International will charge Seneca $38,889.  The deal would run five years, and an additional cost to the city would amount to $32,076 over the succeeding four years.  There is a pool of money available at the state level to re-imburse costs, but Covington says that money is being offered on the basis of first come, first served.