Winneshiek County Sheriff Dan Marx: Body cameras have been "a terrific tool"

It has been one year since the Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office implemented the use of body cameras, and the result has proven to be very effective, according to Sheriff Dan Marx.

All 11 sworn deputies and 4 reserve deputies wear the Wolfcom body cameras while on duty.  Sheriff Marx says, "The cameras have been a terrific tool for us. They have proven to be a great benefit to both the public and the deputies."

Marx has noticed many positives as a result of his Office's implementation of the cameras. He notes the cameras provide clean documentaion, prevent accusations, and reduce the number of cases going to court. In light of the many benefits, Marx notes the body cameras are not capable of picking up everything. "The cameras do not take into account the totality of the circumstances at hand. They are simply a tool to be utilized and do not replace the human senses."

Overall, the greatest benefit of the body cameras, according to Sheriff Marx, "is the mutual accountability they provide for both the public and the deputies."