ODNR officers being outfitted for body cameras

COLUMBUS — Officers with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) are being outfitted with body cameras, according to a spokesperson for Governor Mike DeWine’s office.

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DeWine directed ODNR to begin the process toward outfitting their officers with body cameras last year.

“Body cameras are becoming an increasingly important piece of technology in all areas of law enforcement,” he said Friday. “These new cameras have the ability to protect natural resources and wildlife officers while also offering transparency to the public.”

ODNR sought approval from the Ohio Controlling Board to use $3.5 million in federal funding from the CARES Act and Covid-19 relief funding, the governor’s said.

“Our officers have been well-trained in the use of this new technology that will help them better protect the people of Ohio,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz.  “We are excited to rollout these new cameras to increase the trust of our visitors while keeping our officers safe on the job.”

DeWine has also directed the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) to have state troopers outfitted with body cameras, according to the governor’s office.

The rollout is expected to be complete by the end of the year.

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