GRETNA — The Jefferson Parish Sheriff says he is skeptical of adding body cameras to his deputies.
The New Orleans Advocate reports Sheriff Newell Normand says the cameras are expensive and flawed in terms of what they detect. Normand fears that the devices will lead the public to too often second-guess deputies’ split-second decisions.
The devices, which record officer interactions with citizens, have been heralded as a game-changer in New Orleans and have been rolled out in smaller jurisdictions like Thibodaux and Assumption Parish. Proponents say the cameras cut down on officer complaints and boost transparency.
Normally one to embrace cutting-edge technology, including drones and automatic license plate readers, Normand says most cameras do not capture an officer’s true vantage point. He also says storage of the footage is too expensive.