I recently had the opportunity to participate in a driving under the influence jury trial in Oak Harbor. I came to learn that the deputy sheriff had nothing to back up his arrest with but his own word. When asked if he had access to either video or audio devices, he said the department doesn’t even issue tape recorders. This left the jury with no way to personally assess how the accused person performed verbal tests, whether his speech was slurred as a result of alcohol, made any damaging statements, and so on.

As we see from “Cops” and other television, video cameras are now standard issue for many police forces. I’ve seen Oak Harbor patrol cars with video cameras mounted behind their windshields, and some of the Washington State Patrol cars are equipped with a video camera in the car and a microphone on the officer. It appears the county is badly behind the times.

I know that tape recorders, which are not a problem to fund, were routinely being used 25 years ago in apprehending drunks. Why has the county gone backwards with our technology? The State Patrol sergeant I talked to indicated that cameras are viewed as safety equipment for the troopers when they approach strangers, and he adds that they also “bring out the best” in the officer who is being filmed.

I urge the county sheriff to provide his force with equipment that will (1) make our roads safer by gathering solid evidence to help convict those guilty of drunk driving, (2) help assure our officers conduct themselves properly and professionally, and (3) allow a person who has been improperly arrested a means to defend himself.

Rob Born

Greenbank