BUDGET
asked to contribute toward their health insurance, but the agency needs another $7.5 million for its anticipated extra costs. No new positions would be added, and existing public safety levels would be maintained, according to Israel’s budget.
Israel had no prediction for how the County Commission might react to the requested budget increase. Last year, the county battled the property appraiser in court over less than $1 million. The year before, the sheriff was forced to pare down his request significantly.
“My job is to be fiscally responsible,’’ he said, “but my job is not to save dollars. My job is to save the lives of Broward County and residents.’’
The sheriff’s department already is the county’s single largest general fund expense, taking 46 percent of property tax revenues.
Israel wants to roll out a test program in the coming budget year, with a full body camera program in 2016-17, he said in his budget.
He said the cost of a camera program includes the need to maintain, store and reproduce the videos for members of the public who request it.
“It would be quite a financial ticket,’’ he said Monday. “In the millions.’’
Broward Mayor Tim Ryan said he’s open to the county funding a pilot program this coming budget year.
“Insomuch as body cameras will document criminal activity and make it easier for those who commit
citizens crimes to be arrested and convicted,’’ he said, “it’s a good thing.’’
Other South Florida law enforcement agencies are considering body cameras for officers, including Hallandale Beach, Lauderhill, Coral Springs, Sunrise and Davie.
A bystander’s video of a police officer shooting a man in South Carolina last month reignited the body camera debate.
Florida’s state legislators considered body camera legislation but failed to pass anything ended.
“It’s the right thing,’’ Israel said. “We do have the technology, and I certainly would like to see it happen.’’
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