SANTA CLARA COUNTY (KRON) — Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith took matters into her own hands, hoping to keep inmates safe.
Smith wanted more cameras in her jail, the same jail where guards have been accused of beating an inmate to death. The county told her it would cost $20 million and take two years to get additional cameras.
So, she talked to some IT experts, went to Costco, and used her own credit card to pay for a new 12-camera system.
It did not cost her $20 million either. Instead, Smith reportedly paid $761. She will be reimbursed.
The new cameras will help eliminate blind spots.
Back in August, inmate Michael Tyree was beaten to death.
The incident was not captured on security cameras.