OH - Why did that police cruiser camera start recording?That’s an unanswered question in the wake of the tape that showed Police Chief Tim Escola kissing and caressing a part-time officer under his command.
An attorney for the former chief suggested the cruiser camera may have been rigged, a claim township officials dispute.
POSSIBLE ANSWERS
Law Director Charles Hall said Escola or officer Janine England accidentally may have switched the camera system into a “covert mode,” which recorded their behavior June 2 as they drove a burglary suspect back from the Cincinnati area.
Those familiar with the equipment in Perry Township didn’t know the feature existed until Thursday after a review of the owner’s manual, Hall said. The system is less than a year old. “If you go to turn the device off and hold the power button, the camera goes into covert mode,” Hall said. In covert mode, the camera continues to record but the display screen and all lighting turns dark, he said.
Escola abruptly retired Tuesday night. England remains on the force and faces no discipline. (more with interesting comments) (video)
