Title
Recommendation for the Olympia Police Department to Acquire and Implement Body Worn Cameras and In-Car Video Systems
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to recommend to the full City Council for approval the acquisition and implementation of Body Worn Cameras and In-Car Video Systems.
Report
Issue:
Whether to recommend to the full City Council for approval the acquisition and implementation of Body Worn Cameras and In-Car Video Systems.
Staff Contact:
Rich Allen, Interim Chief, Olympia Police Department, 360.753.8147
Presenter(s):
Rich Allen, Interim Chief, Olympia Police Department
Background and Analysis:
During the 2021 legislative session, the Washington State Legislature passed House Bill 1223 (now called the Uniform Electronic Recordation of Custodial Interrogations Act outlined in Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Chapter 10.122), which requires, at minimum, audio recording of any custodial interrogation in the field and both audio and video for interrogations conducted at the police department or jail.
The implementation of body-worn cameras and in-car videos is the most appropriate, reliable and safest means to fulfil this mandate. Funding for a body-worn camera/in-car video program was approved by City Council as part of the 2022 budget adoption on December 14, 2021.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The community has an expectation of police transparency and accountability. Body-worn cameras and in-car video systems will help provide increased transparency and accountability.
Options:
1. Move to recommend to the full City Council for approval the acquisition and implementation of Body Worn Cameras and In-Car Video Systems.
2. Do not move to recommend to the full City Council for approval the acquisition and implementation of Body Worn Cameras and In-Car Video Systems.
3. Provide other direction to staff.
Financial Impact:
The Olympia Police...
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