Report: 4 agencies bought from firm tied to Rand

RALEIGH — At least four North Carolina agencies bought expensive, high-tech surveillance gear from a private security firm linked to Senate Majority Leader Tony Rand.

The News & Observer of Raleigh reported that the Fayetteville Democrat has served as board chairman for Raleigh-based Law Enforcement Associates Inc. since 2003.

The state bought at least $192,683 in equipment from LEA during the past five years, including a $2,695 jacket with a hidden camera for undercover stings. The State Bureau of Investigation bought up to $108,321 in video gear and other gadgets since 2006.

Rand said he wasn’t aware that state agencies were a client, but added that he wasn’t surprised because his company sells to law enforcement agencies across the country.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)