WASHINGTON (WUSA9) -- D.C. police officers will start wearing body cameras as part of a pilot program, Mayor Vincent Gray and Police Chief Cathy Lanier announced Wednesday.
"MPD's use of body-worn cameras is intended to further the mission of the department and enhance service to the community by accurately documenting events, actions, conditions, and statements made during citizen encounters, traffic stops, arrests, and other incidents. In addition, the use of the cameras will help ensure the safety of both MPD officers and the public," officials said in a news release ahead of the announcement.
D.C. police are hoping that body cameras will improve the relationship between police and the public. Mayor Gray cited Ferguson, Mo., where Michael Brown was shot and killed by a police officer.
Picture this: Body-cameras on DC police http://on.wusa9.com/1g34G3B
The pilot, which will involve approximately 165 members across districts and divisions, starts Oct. 1 and is expected to last six months, officials said. The Metropolitan Police Department has five camera models from three different vendors. Each pilot member will have the five models and provide feedback about them.
Cameras will also be deployed to MPD's Tactical Village so they can be used for training.
"We are looking at the best practices for implementing these devices," said Chief Lanier. "We are in an age where this type of technology is becoming more common, and we want to capitalize on that. The presence of cameras will benefit the community and MPD members by improving police services, increasing accountability and enhancing public safety."
Officials say $1 million was budgeted in the spring for the pilot program.
Christian J. Klossner, acting executive director of the Office of Police Complaints, issued the following statement:
"The Office of Police Complaints supports the use of body-worn cameras by MPD officers, and we applaud Mayor Gray and Chief Lanier for moving forward with the program.
The cameras will increase accountability, improve training, and promote respectful encounters between police and the public. This in turn will lead to enhanced public trust in the police, an ultimately, greater public safety. Consistent with the recommendations of the Police Complaints Board, MPD has consulted with stakeholders as it developed its pilot program policy.
OPC pledges to continue to work with MPD, and we encourage the police department to use the pilot phase of this program to further consult and engage with District residents and stakeholders to develop a policy that maximizes the benefits of the cameras."
