New Case File – CCSO Body Camera Violations

SUMMARY:  

Three reported Internal Affairs interviews involving Cherokee County Sheriff's Office personnel raise questions about whether deputies consistently followed the department's written body-camera policy during active law-enforcement incidents. According to the interview summaries, Corporal Mills described not recording certain conversations involving judges and fellow deputies, Corporal Hart characterized muting cameras for private officer discussions as common practice, and Lt. Brookshire reportedly described muting during tactical or operational discussions as routine. These statements raise seven potential policy-compliance issues, including failure to narrate before muting, premature recording termination, delayed camera activation, and possible conflicts between supervisory practices and written requirements.

The accompanying Public Case Review infographics examine these reported practices against CCSO Policy #04-01-10, which addresses continued recording, verbal explanations before muting, and documentation when recording ends early. The analysis also raises broader taxpayer-accountability questions surrounding the county's reported $2.94 million Axon camera contract. Were these recording practices authorized by written policy, or had informal customs developed outside established requirements? The graphics distinguish reported statements and potential violations from official findings while identifying questions that warrant further examination of the underlying records.

Explore the three infographics to review the reported statements, seven potential policy violations, and the public-accountability questions surrounding Cherokee County's body-camera program.