Cumberland County Sheriff's Office testing new body worn cameras

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- The Cumberland County Sheriff's Office said deputies began testing new body cameras Thursday morning.

Sheriff Ennis W. Wright issued the cameras to deputies from different divisions for Beta testing.

In a news release, Wright's office said it "recognizes the importance of the ability to record and of accountability. ... Incorporating body-worn cameras into daily field operations will improve criminal justice outcomes and aid with the trust and accountability of everyone in our community, particularly including citizen and deputy safety."

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The office purchased 350 body cameras for nearly $4 million in June.

The sheriff said if testing is successful, every deputy will be assigned a body-worn camera on or before March 31.

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