Sheriff: Security cameras ripped from walls

By The Associated Press

TEXARKANA, Ark. — New Miller County Sheriff Ron Stovall has pledged to stem the tide of escapes and other problems at the county jail. One problem he will confront is replacing security cameras that were ripped from the jail's walls.

Stovall told county officials Monday night that he needs a system of cameras that can zoom in from a distance, inside and outside the jail. In the parking lot, he wants to be able to read license plates. Inside, the sheriff wants to see faces if there is a disturbance.

Now, Stovall says there are only "bolts on the wall" where most cameras should be. Stovall says he is getting bids from security companies.

About a dozen escapes occurred at the jail over the past year, and several jail workers have been dismissed, and in some cases arrested, for sex-related offenses.