Columbiana commissioners approve money for jail security cameras

LISBON — Nothing says it’s time for a security upgrade like unnoticed escaping prisoners jumping off the front of the Columbiana County Jail.

The commissioners today approved the purchase and installation of a new camera system at the jail.

There’s no fence at the front of the jail, and the commissioners didn’t want to discuss the location of current cameras for safety reasons.

But Commissioner Jim Hoppel said that in the 13 years since the jail was expanded, camera technology has greatly improved.

“These are much better cameras with much better views,” Hoppel said. “It’s part of an upgrade of all our security equipment. We want to make sure that these kinds of escapes do not happen.”

The commissioners approved the contract with Radi-O-Sound in Salem to install the cameras. The work will cost $8,600. The cameras will cost $47,684 and will be purchased through a state purchasing program. Hoppel said the county has the funds to pay for the work.

For the complete story, see Thursday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com