The Fort Dodge Police Department has done an excellent job of building public confidence that the difficult work its officers undertake is handled with a strong commitment to professionalism.

Even so, situations can arise where people who have had interactions with police officers claim that they were treated improperly. In many places across the nation body video cameras are being worn by law enforcement personnel so when misconduct is charged there is a record of the incident that can be reviewed by supervisors and in some cases presented in court.

The decision to use body cameras makes sense. This technological enhancement will strengthen the already very positive reputation of our superb Police Department. Measures that increase transparency in government are very much in the public interest.

Financing body cameras, however, is an expensive proposition. To help defray the cost a Fort Dodge business, Graham Tire located at 110 S. 25th St., is helping the Fort Dodge Police Department pursue its goal of equipping all its officers with these cameras by raising money for the equipment and its upkeep. It is currently hosting a silent auction in its showroom.

Rick Carle, retail sales manager for Graham Tire, said this is the ninth silent auction the business has conducted to raise money for a local charity or nonprofit. In the past, the company has raised money for Rabiner Treatment Center, Habitat for Humanity, the Paula J. Baber Hospice Home and Almost Home Humane Society of North Central Iowa.

This time, among the items available are autographed sports memorabilia, University of Iowa and Iowa State University floor mats and door mats, and getaways to locations in Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota.

To increase the impact of this effort local businesses and organizations have offered to match the funds raised by the auction. Graham Tire itself will match the first $1,000 raised, Woodruff Construction the second $1,000, Webster County Crime Stoppers the third and C& S Products the fourth.

The Messenger strongly backs this effort. Graham Tire and the others who are involved in this undertaking deserve everyone’s applause. We urge our readers to support this silent auction, which runs through noon Saturday. Stop by Graham Tire to help this worthy effort succeed.