The Butler County Sheriff’s Office will receive $9,000 to increase safety for the public and its deputies.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs recently announced the BCSO was awarded a grant to purchase dashboard cameras for patrol vehicles.

The cameras will record deputies’ interactions with the public during traffic stops and other activities. The footage can be used for training or as evidence in court.

“These cameras are very important in this day and time,” Butler County Sheriff Kenny Harden said. “There is a lot of negativity surrounding law enforcement and this is just one more way to protect our deputies.”

Harden said all the department’s deputies wear body cameras, and the dash-mounted cameras would serve as a backup in the event there was a problem with the body camera.

According to Harden, all but one patrol car will now be outfitted with a camera.

“Our law enforcement officers work tirelessly to keep our communities safe,” Gov. Robert Bentley said. “These new cameras will help Butler County Sheriff’s deputies perform their jobs while out on patrol.”

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Justice. ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management and recreation.

“ADECA partners with law enforcement agencies throughout the year to help them replace old equipment and obtain new items that will help them do their jobs effectively and efficiently,” ADECA Director Jim Byard Jr. said. “We are pleased to provide this funding to assist the Butler County Sheriff’s Office.”

In March, ADECA awarded the BCSO $9,980, which was used to purchase two high-definition panoramic camera systems for patrol vehicles.