By Carmen Ensinger
While the Winchester Council purchased four body cameras for their full-time police force several months ago, Police Chief Steve Doolin just realized they need an additional one.
“Upon programming the body cameras we purchased and looking more in depth at the law, I learned we need an additional body camera to be utilized and shared by our part time officers,” Doolin said in a report to the council at their Jan. 8 council meeting. “Current cameras are programmed and assigned to specific full-time officers.”
Doolin couldn’t be present at the meeting because he had to pick up family members at the airport so he prepared the items to be discussed ahead of time which were presented by Alderman Jeff Pittman.
Doolin stated that he was still waiting for the exact cost of the additional camera but that they paid $3,800 spread out over a 5-year plan for the other four cameras, which included video storage.
Pittman made a motion that the council approve up to $4,000 for the additional camera, which passed unanimously.
Doolin also requested permission to hire Eli Evans as a part-time officer for the city.
“Eli is fully trained, experienced and resides in Winchester,” Doolin said. “He will be a good fit for the department.”
Pittman agreed with Doolin’s request.
“My personal opinion is that we could use him,” Pittman said. “He is really smart and has passed a bunch of classes. He may be moving to Jacksonville but he would like to stay as a part-timer. He would be a big plus to Winchester and would help to keep the overtime down. Out of all the other part time guys we have, he has been the best one to work with us.”
Officer Hunter Drake graduated from the Police Academy on Dec. 6 and was due a pay increase upon his successful graduation. Doolin asked the council to approve a pay increase, which they did.
Drake’s pay went from $20 an hour to $23 an hour. As a part time officer, Evans will receive $22 an hour.
Doolin said that he had to make an emergency purchase in the amount of $31.53 for a replacement 2-way radio antenna for the Tahoe that was believed to have been “eaten” by the car wash.