Deputies have used in-car video for a number of years to document their public contacts, enforcement activity, and response to both critical and more routine calls for service and self- initiated activity. At the same time, the Sheriff’s Office has been monitoring the development of body-worn camera technology and assessing its benefits, which are now well documented in independent research, policy analysis and program evaluations. As a result, the Sheriff’s Office is acquiring and implementing the use of body-worn cameras, initially in police services, to be worn and used in conjunction with our existing in-car video system; a best practice. Using the two systems together provides a more thorough and complete documentation of public contacts over the course of response to both critical and more routine calls for service or other law enforcement initiated activity. The tandem system approach also allows for the use of BWC’s on a stand-alone basis, accommodating foot patrol, bicycle patrol, mounted patrol and other activity not occurring near or around a police vehicle equipped with in-car video, and has the value added benefit of supporting a smooth implementation process as Deputies are already familiar with the aspects of the technology.

The added documentation provided by body-worn cameras reduces service complaints, improves evidence management, and increases the likely-hood of the speedy resolution of investigations and potential adjudication. The technology will be implemented in phases with staff feedback to assure clear policy and effective training as the use of BWC’s is appropriately expanded within the Sheriff’s Office.