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player ready...McHenry County prosecutors will soon have more evidence to present against motorists stopped by sheriff’s police.
The Sheriff’s Department has received a $48,000 state grant to buy up to 12 video cameras for squad cars. The cameras, expected to be installed within three months, will record the actions and the words of the officer and the motorist for use at trial.
The cameras will be helpful in prosecution of drunken driving cases, said McHenry County Sheriff Keith Nygren.
“This allows the officers to record pictures of erratic driving . . .,” Nygren said. “Also, when there are field sobriety tests, those things can be filmed.”
McHenry County State’s Atty. Gary Pack said filmed traffic stops are a good tool to use in court.
“Many times it’s the word of the officer versus the defendant. It can be very subjective,” Pack said. “But a tape is objective. The tape can show the slurred speech and the wobbliness.”
Six sheriff’s squad cars were mounted with video cameras several months ago.
The camera can be operated manually or through a remote control on the officer’s belt.
“I’ve had (a camera in my car) for about four months,” said Officer Andrew Zinke, who is on canine patrol. “It’s the best piece of equipment I have besides the dog.”