COUNTY COPTER CAMERAS GET OK; FIRE, SHERIFF'S UNITS SET FOR VIDEO GEAR UNDER $1.3 MILLION PLAN.

Byline: Stacy Brown Daily News Staff Writer

Sheriff's and fire helicopters that patrol the Santa Clarita Valley will be equipped with video cameras and downloading equipment for immediate viewing under a plan approved by the Board of Supervisors.

The cameras, to be used in emergencies, will allow officials up-to-the-minute tracking for evidence. At present, the agencies rely on broadcast video - if news crews happen to be there.

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved the expenditure last week, giving law enforcement a high-tech tool for use during disaster and emergency situations.

The measure, introduced by Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, will upgrade Fire and Sheriff's department helicopters with video cameras and a video downlink system.

The installation of the devices, which is expected to cost about $1.3 million, is scheduled to begin this fall after a contractor is retained, said a spokesman in Antonovich's office.

Fire and sheriff's investigators have often relied on video documentation during emergencies from cameras aboard news media helicopters.

Antonovich said it is important for the departments to have immediate access to such video. ``Timely and accurate information is vital when responding to emergencies and disasters,'' he said.

``Yes, in the past, sheriff's and fire commanders have had to rely on news media video for airborne video of disasters. This action by the board will allow our emergency personnel to literally call the shots in gathering video involving disaster relief and emergency responses.''

Antonovich spokesman Cam Currier said the action by the board marks the beginning of a countywide video downlink system that will be shared by the Fire and Sheriff's departments to provide live information about ongoing emergencies.

``We've been relying on commercial television, which puts us at the mercy of a director or station manager,'' Currier said.

Los Angeles County fire Capt. Steve Valenzuela said the cameras and the downlink system, which allow immediate viewing by commanders, will significantly aid rescue efforts.

``We'll be able to better see what's going on all around the incident and better assess the hot spots,'' Valenzuela said, adding that to fully utilize the cameras, law enforcement officials must have complete control of the units.

Currier said the plan, which was approved July 13, was overdue.

``What surprises me is that this wasn't done a long time ago,'' he added. ``We've had cameras monitoring traffic and other things, so it's about time.

``It would be nice to have it for a lot of reasons, especially for earthquakes and civil unrest, and when there is a jury verdict which people don't agree with.''