The small video cameras law enforcement officials now wear as part of their headgear are the “best tool in our toolbox,” when it comes to fighting crime, said Wade Bowie, Allen County Attorney.
The video recordings are frequently used in prosecution. Seeing someone unable to walk a straight line or recite the alphabet is a strong argument in court.
“The cameras don’t lie,” he said.
Bowie showed film clips of such instances Friday night at the third annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Banquet at Bass Community Hall.
Bowie also touted the effectiveness of the 31st Judicial Drug Court. Begun in January 2013, the program works to help those convicted of drug offenses to “turn the corner.”
“I was a skeptic at first. Now I’m a believer,” of the program’s success, Bowie said.
Of its 33 participants, three are scheduled to “graduate” in ceremonies on May 22.
“Even if it’s only a few, that’s more than we were able to help in the past,” Bowie said.
In its first year, the program had two participants who were able to successfully turn from a life of drugs.
Of this year’s program all three graduates were former users of methamphetamine.
FRIDAY’S program celebrated the efforts of local police and sheriff’s department officers.
“You guys are the best,” Bowie said.
About 50 local officers enjoyed a dinner catered by Jason Kegler.
The dinner and trappings were all paid for by payments received in diversion agreements, Bowie said. These occur when violators opt to pay a higher fine in return for the citation being expunged from their record.
Criminal filings for 2013 were down from previous years, Bowie said.
Although the first quarter of this year has seen an uptick in child in need of care cases, where children are removed from homes deemed unfit.
