Augusta Sheriff completing body cam, dash cam transition

Week in Virginia

The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office is fully implementing the wearing of body cameras by deputies this month.

Augusta County residents will now see deputies equipped with body-worn cameras performing their daily duties.

An Augusta County Sheriff's Office employee holds up a body-worn camera which deputies will now wear as part of their uniform.

And over the next several weeks, department patrol cars will also be equipped with dashboard cameras.

Augusta County Sheriff Donald Smith said in a statement announcing the transition that it marks a yearslong effort.

The Augusta County Board of Supervisors gave approval to the funding for the project when negotiating the 2025 fiscal year budget. The board had previously debated but rejected the funding of the body-worn and dashboard cameras. Other budget considerations took priority despite Smith's concerns about his department's accountability.

“This milestone marks a multi-year effort aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency within the Sheriff’s Office," Smith said. “The project’s success reflects the strong collaboration between county departments and leadership, as well as the continued support of our community.”

The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office body-worn camera and dashboard camera policy is available for public review. The policy is available at the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office in Verona. Community members who have comments or concerns can send them to [email protected]

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Week in Virginia