Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing the Olympia Police Department to Obtain and Use Body-Worn Cameras and In-Car Video Systems
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
On April 27, the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee approved a recommendation to forward to the full City Council for consideration, the acquisition and implementation of body-worn cameras and in-car video systems.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a resolution authorizing the Olympia Police Department to obtain and use body-worn cameras and in-car video systems.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the resolution authorizing the Olympia Police Department to obtain and use 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 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.
While not required, RCW 10.109.020 strongly encourages the legislative authority of a city or town to formally authorize the use of body worn cameras prior to implementation by law enforcement or a corrections agency.
On April 27, the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee approved a recommendation to forward to the full City Council for consideration, the acquisition and implementation of body-worn cameras and in-car...
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