Venable Calls Special Commission Meeting

By Jackson Blaze Staff

SCOTTSBORO, Ala. — Jackson County Commission Vice-Chairman Jason Venable has called a special meeting to be held on Tuesday, December 22 to discuss an investigation by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA).

The investigation pertains to an allegation of inappropriate surveillance of a Jackson County employee at the courthouse.

According to a statement from the Commission:

“After several serious incidents at the Courthouse involving firearms, a number of surveillance cameras and sound systems were installed in public locations and common areas at the Courthouse. The camera at the secured entrance to the Courthouse proved invaluable in determining the sequence of events that led to a Sheriff’s Deputy having to use his firearm to defend himself against an aggressive armed patron. Neither these Commissioners nor the Courthouse Security Committee were aware of the placement of the particular camera involved in the present investigation. The Commissioners first became aware of the location of this camera on Tuesday, December 15 and took steps the same day to have the devise removed. Until the investigation is complete, the Commissioners will have no comment on whether or not the installation of this camera was warranted for legitimate security purposes.”

The meeting will be held on Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. in the Commission boardroom.