The Rotary Club of Batesville and the Independence County Sheriff’s Department are teaming up with Colton’s Steakhouse to raise money for police body cameras.
On Tuesday, March 26, the public is invited to eat dinner at Colton’s and support the purchase of body cameras for local sheriff’s deputies. Body cameras are self-contained video recording devices. Law enforcement officers around the country have begun wearing them to protect both officers and the public. These cameras are worn on the officer’s uniform and record everything within the officer’s line of sight.
“Our cameras have made a difference during their service in Independence County,” said Sheriff Shawn Stephens.
The sheriff’s department previously purchased 20 cameras for its officers. Most of those cameras are currently inoperable.
Batesville Rotarians, Lyon College Rotoractors, and officers from the Independence County Sheriff’s Department will be on hand at Colton’s that Tuesday night between 5 and 9 p.m.
“Not only can you enjoy dinner with your family, but you can also support our local officers at the same time,” said Dennis Moore, president of the Batesville Rotary Club.
A portion of all dinner proceeds will help match a Rotary grant for the cameras. Rotary District 6150 has agreed to match up to $2,085 towards the licensing and purchase of new body cameras. Donations are also welcome.
“We are an international service organization committed to peace and our communities. When we learned about this project, we wanted to help,” said Moore.
