INDIANOLA, Miss.–Sheriff James Haywood of Sunflower County would like to have body cams for his department. But, the source of funding for those cams was the cause of an argument at this week’s board meeting.
“I would love to have body cameras and we don’t have body cameras. I would love to immediately go out and purchase body cameras, not only for the deputies, but for the jailers,” said Haywood, addressing the board. He asked that money for body cameras be allocated, rather than $247,000 of American Rescue Plan Money go to an E911 room.
That angered Supervisor Glen Donald.
“The sheriff has no jurisdiction and no decision on budgeting money,” said Donald. He pointed out that the board had already agreed to purchase cams from the general fund and that they had asked Haywood for a list of equipment priorities.
“You have zero yo do with what we do with ARPA money,” said Donald.
“I don’t speak as sheriff now. I speak as a citizen of Sunflower County,” replied Haywood.
“Well, you’re not on the agenda as a citizen of Sunflower County. So, you can be seated,” said Donald.
The board seemed generally in favor of addressing the needs of the sheriff’s department.
