To: Chief Scott

From: Assistant Chief of Police Eric Prado

Date: October 17, 2017

Subject: Body Worn Cameras

Body Worn Cameras have proven to be an invaluable tool in showing facts during a critical

incident and helping officers being cleared of any wrongdoing. There are certain questions to ask

when using BWCs and there is no written policy or guidelines in which to follow when we

encounter certain points. A major question that we can address is when should our BWCs be

turned on or off. There are times when a critical incident occurs spontaneously and we have to

act accordingly. We can alleviate any issues with the BWCs being on by either purchasing ones

that turn on when it reads our bodys physiological response to stress, yet everyone has a

different reaction to situations. In this case, we can train our officers until it becomes muscle

memory to turn the BWCs on when they react to an incident. We can also have our BWCs rolling

and recording constantly. The issue we face with this is the constant recording requires a large

amount of data.

Every radio call does not require BWC implementation, but we can always use our

discretion to decide which calls require BWC recording. Arrests and detentions should require

BWC implementation. These are moments where suspects tend to make false accusations against

law enforcement officers. Any recording of the incident will help resolve any complaints made

against the officer. BWC implementation during a detention or arrest would help record any

spontaneous confessions or information regarding the investigation. Consensual encounters do

not require BWC implementation unless the officer believes the encounter would lead up to any

questioning.

BWC review should be allowed after an officer writes his/her report. It can help any

confusion or questions that the officer may have. The officer must not solely rely on BWC

recording. Technology can always fail, such as a dead battery or operator error where officer

forgets to press recording button. The officer must always rely on his/her memory during an

investigation. The BWC can only provide as a supplement. BWC implementation can be highly

useful during court testimony. Video footage captures audio and video of the incident. This shows

a true series of events, especially from an officers camera. It is uncut and unedited which is what

we want the jury to see. It is true evidence in a case. Once video is shown, the only questioning

the officer faces is the timeline of events and why certain actions were taken.

BWC implementation in our department is important to show a true series of events. It

can be a useful tool in making or breaking a case and clearing anyone of any wrongdoing. There

are certain times when BWC implementation is not necessary, such as public consensual

encounters. It is up to an officers discretion when to turn the camera on or off. Critical incidents

are the most important times to turn BWCs on. An officers discretion and decision making skills

are an important tool in the use of BWC.