VIDEO: The Kern County Board of Supervisors approved eight body-worn cameras for arson investigators with the Kern County Fire Department on Tuesday. The fire department asked the board to approve eight Axon Enterprise body-worn cameras, along with supporting equipment and software.
The cost is $189,688 over a five-year term starting Jan. 1, according to the board agenda. The amount to be paid each year is $37,937.44 including tax, county documents show. The KCFD Arson Unit is a law enforcement agency that conducts fire investigations.
It is also one of the few local law enforcement agencies that donโt use body-worn cameras yet. Fire officials said body-worn cameras can help streamline investigations, interviews, evidence and reporting, while improving efficiency. They can also reportedly help reduce personnel and use-of-force complaints.
