MORAN — Moran council members approved charging $20 to anyone wanting a copy of a video taken during a traffic stop or other investigations by Chief of Police Shane Smith. IN OTHER NEWS, council members:
Smith has had a video camera on the dash of his patrol car for some time and more recently added a head camera, which permits him to film any encounter while on duty.
Such recording devices help document on-duty activities.
“You can see a change in people’s demeanor,” Smith said, when they realize he is wearing the video camera. “It is a big advantage.”
While many videos will be available under auspices of the Kansas Open Records Act, some may be restricted to attorneys representing the subject or not released if they are part of a sensitive portion of a criminal investigation.
By and large, though, Smith said sharing the recordings would be beneficial to all involved.
The camera Smith wears is identical to those used by Iola and Allen County officers, the AXON FLEX, which opens some software sharing among the agencies, in particular, he said, when he assists or is a first responder for an incident in areas under county jurisdiction.
— Approved purchase of a copy machine from Modern Copy Systems for $5,642. They also gave Clerk Lori Evans authority to spend up to $700 for a folder. She said would it be used several times a month in a variety of ways, including for brochures and booklets.
— Put off completing an equipment-sharing agreement with Allen County. City Attorney Bret Heim said he had talked with County Counselor Alan Weber and anticipated no problems.
— Also delayed until later in the year discussion of purchase and installation of an LED/LCD sign to placed somewhere downtown to provide community information. The idea of a sign came up several months ago and was tabled until Monday night. “I’d love to have a sign,” said Mayor Phillip Merkel, but allowed cost might be a burden at this time.
— Noted the consolidation of Moran and Marmaton and Osage townships fire departments was in place with the new year. A few financial ends need to be tied up, though nothing that should be a hurdle of consequence.
— Approved a dog tag and rabies shot clinic for some time in March, at the convenience of Red Barn Veterinary Service, Iola.
— Gave approval for three voluntary firefighters to attend a training clinic in Topeka in March. The city will pay expenses.
Members set fee for police videos
