Strategy #54
In-Car Video Cameras
Installing video cameras in law enforcement vehicles
to record various activities
performed by officer while on patrol.
Background
Officers performing patrol duties are conducting enforcement operations or providing services to the public on a daily basis. In many cases, the officers are performing these activities alone without benefit of an independent (unbiased) means of recording the services provided or the actions taken by the officer. The use of video cameras in patrol vehicles would address this need and provide additional evidentiary documentation for court and personnel complaints.
These cameras should be mounted within the vehicle in such a manner as to visually record the officer and the citizen involved in the contact. The system should also be configured to capture audio material.
Actions
- Monitor the development of digital camera technology to determine if it would be advantageous for use in patrol vehicles.
- Explore the installation of camera technology in patrol vehicles.
- Seek support from the bargaining unit, the public sector, and the government to install this technology.
- Develop a policy and procedures covering the use of in-car camera systems. This policy should include use, tape storage, evidence procedures, and related issues.
- Consider the tape storage and retention requirements in facility design and management.
- Design the camera system to activate automatically under certain situations.
Benefits
- The recordings will provide an unbiased and accurate version of the traffic enforcement action/public contact.
- Assist in the investigation of alleged conduct violations/personnel complaints.
- Promotes compliance with departmental policy and procedures.
- Promotes positive citizen response during contacts with the officer.
- Can be used for evidentiary purposes in both civil and criminal proceedings. This evidence may ultimately provide supportive documentation in lawsuits and protect the agency from liability.
- Assists in the apprehension of suspects when the officer is injured and disabled.
- Aids the agency in evaluating performance and the effectiveness of policies and procedures.
Other Considerations
- Costs associated with initiating and maintaining the program.
- Labor and management issues regarding constant scrutiny of officers’ actions.
- Tape retention and storage issues.
- Costs may limit the number of vehicles equipped with this technology.