Derma Police Chief Stan Evans and policeman Corey Alexander showed the mayor and board of aldermen new body cameras they are now using.
Evans said that it is mandatory that all officers wear the cameras. The cameras are larger than the ones they previously used, but more durable and reliable.
Office Alexander said when the new cameras are clicked on, recording goes back 30 seconds. Video can be transferred to a phone or computer. The camera can record video and audio for 12 hours.
More importantly, Chief Evans said, the video can’t be edited.
“It will protect us better and our citizens,” he said. “It’s especially helpful with traffic stops and domestic calls.”
The Taser brand Axon cameras cost around $450 and were purchased from drug fund money. Three were purchased for Derma.
“All law enforcement will be using this kind of camera soon,” Evans said. “We are ahead of the game.”
In another matter, the board voted to give Eddie Armstrong 60 days, until July 1, to complete cleanup and tear down of the old head start building in Church Hill.
The building is still partially standing, and there is debris left on the lot. The town will burn the the remaining after that date.
After hearing interest from a couple of people, the board agreed to take bids on the old 1992 Kubota tractor and finishing mower.
Clerk Deneen Russell reported bad debts– Cecil Kendall, Mauri Burt, Kaid Conner Norwood and Rosie Ann Peacock.
The board approved:
•Court clerk training June 22-23 in Biloxi
•MML Convention June 22-24 in Biloxi for mayor/board and interested board members. Registration fee $235 per person.
•Paying Rose Business Equipment $450 for copier maintenance.
Alderman Andrea Corbitt was not at the meeting.
Next board meeting will be June 2.