Bibb County School District approves body cameras, tasers for Campus Police

Chief Curtis Adams seeks SPLOST funds to enhance transparency and safety

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Bibb County School District Campus Police Officers will be wearing body cameras and carrying tasers soon.

Chief Curtis Adams is advocating for these changes to enhance transparency and accountability in campus policing.

Adams requested the Bibb County Board of Education allocate 2021 SPLOST funds to purchase body cameras for officers. He believes body cameras will provide a clearer picture of incidents, addressing criticisms about police transparency.

“We know that the school systems have cameras throughout the schools, but there are many blind spots and no audio,” Adams said. “You may see something, but what you saw may not be everything that happened.”

Right now, officers carry guns, pepper spray and batons. Adams wants to equip every officer with a taser.

“My goal is not for the officers to actually tase students if they don’t have to,” Adams said.

He says guns should be the last resort for officers.

“Tasers are primarily for situations where someone is threatening others and the officer can’t gain control, especially if adults are on campus or at special events outside school grounds,” he explained.

The Bibb County Board of Education approved a contract with Axon Enterprises, Inc. on Thursday in an amount not to exceed $342,740.60 for safety & security improvements for Campus Police to include bodycams, tasers, training and licensing software.