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In an effort to improve transparency, Washington Parish Sheriff Randy Seal is equipping its enforcement deputies with body cameras, and citizens will begin seeing them in use as early as next week, according to Chief Civil Deputy Brent Jones of the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Jones said that Seal signed a contract with Axon Enterprise (formerly TASER International) to purchase body cameras for criminal patrol enforcement deputies with plans to expand to narcotics, civil and investigations as budgeting permits.

The $186,000, five-year contract includes not only the cameras, but also the necessary training and, more importantly, the storage and records management for the cameras and footage, Jones said. As part of the contract, Axon Enterprise provided the necessary training on the usage of the cameras.

Seal said purchasing body cameras has been one of his top priorities. His administration made the effort to find the money in the agency’s general fund to purchase the cameras, Jones said.

“We are excited to equip our deputies with this essential tool,” Seal said. “This tool will help increase and promote transparency and accountability within the ranks and within the community we serve. Body cameras put everyone — deputies and citizens alike — on their best behavior.”