Grants Bring Body Cameras, Bulletproof Vests To RCSO

Two federal grants will help protect Rogers County deputies; one will provide money for body cameras, and the other will pay for bulletproof vests.

Right now the only cameras Rogers County deputies have are bought from money out of their own pockets, but with $46,000 coming their way, that won't be the case anymore.

The sheriff said Rogers County is one of less than 100 police agencies across the country to qualify for the grant money.

The money will buy cameras for deputies patrolling the streets, courthouse and even some detention officers.

The sheriff's office will have to create and implement a new policy for the cameras.

As for the grant money for new vests, an exact amount hasn't been listed, but it will replace some of the older and worn out vests with new ones.

Sheriff Scott Walton said now more than ever law enforcement needs extra protection and the public needs the extra reassurance.

"Were it not for these grants, we wouldn't have body worn cameras and we wouldn't have vests, so we're very thankful that we've been awarded these and we'll certainly be good stewards and administrators of the grant," Walton said.

The sheriff is waiting for the grant money to be delivered. He said it's typically a quick process and expects to have the cameras distributed and operational within the next six months.