The Nacogdoches Texas County Sheriff’s office may be adding high-tech digital video equipment to some of its patrol cars. County Judge Joe English said the county will contribute about $35,000 in Homeland Security grants to help pay for about seven video systems. Currently, the Sheriff’s office vehicles are equipped with antiquated VHS video systems. The new digital equipment will make it possible to move the videos from the patrol cars directly to police computers quickly and efficiently.

The Homeland Security funds can be used for any purpose so long as it can be tied to security needs. Last year, the Nacogdoches Texas County Sheriff’s office used similar Homeland Security funds to update the video equipment in the County Courthouse. Many law enforcement agencies across the U.S. have not had adequate funding to keep pace with rapid improvements in video imaging and video equipment in recent years due to the erosion in tax revenue caused by the national housing downturn.