South OC Times

On Tuesday, U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-40) joined Supervisor Curt Hagman and San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus to announce the acquisition of federal resources for the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. These funds will be used to purchase body cameras and taser equipment aimed at enhancing law enforcement transparency, accountability, and safety.

Rep. Kim submitted a community project funding request for this initiative, which was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024.

“Our law enforcement put themselves in harm’s way to keep our communities safe,” said Rep. Young Kim. “I am proud to secure vital federal resources for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department to purchase body camera and taser equipment so law enforcement can better do their jobs and ensure deputies follow accountability practices. Protecting public safety will always be a top priority for me as your representative.”

KTLA reported that with $1.5 million in federal funding, correctional officers in San Bernardino County will soon be equipped with body-worn cameras in county-run jails.

Sheriff Shannon Dicus, Congresswoman Young Kim, and 4th District County Supervisor Curt Hagman held a press conference announcing that the body-worn cameras would enhance transparency and accountability within the correctional system.

“As most of you know, in our corrections we have a number of things that are becoming highly politicized, whether it’s in-custody deaths, the fentanyl crisis and things that are affecting us,” Dicus said.

“These are the updated tools that law enforcement needs to better do their jobs and ensure that deputies follow their accountability practices,” Congresswoman Kim stated.

Sheriff Dicus emphasized his support for increased accountability while noting that these cameras provide an opportunity for the public to understand what deputies encounter during their duties.