By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WARSAW — Community Corrections officers in Kosciusko County will soon have an increased level of protection.
Barry Andrew, director of the office, is seeking money to provide his officers with tasers and body cams.
The move is one for both legal purposes and personal protection.
“We know in today’s world that if it’s not written down or recorded, it did or did not happen. It’s safety for everybody’s part,” Andrew said.
His officers are already armed, but the new equipment will provide another level of safety.
His officers are special deputies through the sheriff’s office who work with offenders and often do home visits.
The request comes just days after four law enforcement officers were killed and four others wounded while serving an arrest warrant in Charlotte, N.C., earlier this week.
Andrew said his employees have not had a specific incident that led to the request, but referenced the North Carolina attack while discussing the topic with News Now Warsaw after a county council meeting Thursday morning.
“You can’t overstate the need for safety,” Andrew said.
He said the request is just another effort to modernize the office.
Cost of the three tasers and four body cameras is expected to be about $27,000.
County Council is formally expected to consider the request next week.
