Russellville Police Adopt New Camera System

Chief Chris Hargett sees benefits of advanced surveillance technology at conference

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Russellville Police Chief Chris Hargett discovered a new camera system at a law enforcement conference in 2020 that he believes will give his department a significant advantage in fighting crime. The department has since implemented the advanced surveillance technology, which Hargett says will enhance their ability to monitor public spaces and gather evidence.

Why it matters

Improved camera systems can provide law enforcement with valuable tools to deter and investigate criminal activity, but also raise concerns about privacy and civil liberties. Russellville's adoption of this new technology reflects a broader trend of police departments increasingly relying on surveillance cameras to aid their work.

The details

At the 2020 conference, Hargett was intrigued by a vendor showcasing a camera system with enhanced features compared to the department's existing equipment. After further research and evaluation, Russellville PD decided to invest in the new system, which includes high-definition cameras with improved night vision, facial recognition capabilities, and the ability to integrate footage with other law enforcement databases.

  • Hargett first saw the camera system at a law enforcement conference in 2020.
  • Russellville PD has since implemented the new surveillance technology.

The players

Chris Hargett

Police Chief of Russellville, Alabama.

Russellville Police Department

The local law enforcement agency in Russellville, Alabama that has adopted a new advanced camera system.

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What they’re saying

“This new camera system is going to give us a major advantage in fighting crime and keeping our community safe.”

— Chris Hargett, Police Chief (timesdaily.com)

What’s next

The department plans to expand the camera network to additional public areas in the coming year.

The takeaway

Russellville's adoption of advanced surveillance technology reflects a broader trend of law enforcement relying more on camera systems, raising important questions about the balance between public safety and individual privacy.