By Adam Smith

The North Jefferson News



The Fultondale Police Department recently received some new toys from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

Police Chief Byron Pigg informed the city council Monday night that the department had received camera equipment that would be used by the department’s evidence technicians.

Pigg said the county had bought new camera equipment and had relegated the older cameras to surplus. However, both Pigg and Fultondale officer Alan Rogers said the equipment is top grade, including Minolta 35 millimeter cameras and Sony digital cameras and camcorders. Rogers said the department was in the process of buying new equipment when the offer from the county came along.

Pigg said the cameras are equipped with special lenses that will enable evidence technicians to snap detail shots and photograph fingerprints.

“It gives us the ability to tend to our crime scenes in a professional manner with proper equipment,” Pigg said. “Photographic evidence is needed to complete an investigation.

Rogers said there is one technician for every shift at the police department and said that the camera equipment will be used for more than just solving murders.

“It’s not restricted to any specific crime,” he said. “It can be used in domestic violence situations, burglaries or car accidents where there may be a fatality.”

The city also received some additional help from the county this week. Jefferson County Treasurer Ken Gomany presented the police department with a check for $1,325 from the Sheriff’s Special Services Fund.

Pigg said the department would look at the best way to spend the money, but it would likely be spent on additional equipment.