Police Body Camera Program In Full Effect In Baltimore County

TOWSON, MD – All uniformed police officers in Baltimore County are now outfitted with body cameras. The deployment of the cameras is part of a multi-million-dollar program that county officials say will increase transparency and public safety.

“The body-worn camera program has already proven helpful in a number of arrests and prosecutions,” Baltimore County Police Chief Terrence B. Sheridan said in a statement. "...we are committed to adapting our program as best practices and new issues may evolve."

The body camera program began as a pilot in 2015, and the county executive expedited its rollout last year.

A work group commissioned by the county executive and police chief to study the program had recommended further study before starting it but leaders decided to move forward anyway. The group’s more than 100-page report concluded that the county should delay or abstain from the program due to the potential costs and what its members said was the lack of empirical data justifying the need for it in Baltimore County. The work group included members of the police department, state’s attorney’s office, office of information technology and police union.

"Waiting wasn’t a good option because these cameras are such a valuable tool in strengthening the relationship of trust and understanding with the community," County Executive Kevin Kamenetz said.

He increased overtime funds to get officers trained ahead of schedule.

"By objectively capturing the actions of officers in the field, they improve transparency and help reduce complaints against officers and facilitate more efficient, effective prosecutions,” Kamenetz said.

• Baltimore County Police To Wear Body Cameras Starting In 2016

It will $7.1 million to fund the program for the first five years, according to county officials, $1.25 million for cameras and technical equipment and $5.9 million for maintenance and storage.

Annually, the body-worn camera program will cost $1.6 million to run, including continuous training and 21 more personnel. Staff including IT support, forensic specialists, public information specialists, trainers, criminal records processors and evidence specialists were required for the program to get underway.

Footage from body cameras is considered public record. More than 250,000 recordings have been made, accounting for 45,000 hours of video and more than 79,000 files to the state's attorney's office, including 67,000 videos and 11,800 photographs, officials reported this week.

"Body cameras are a valuable law enforcement tool that helps to protect officers and the public alike," County Council Chair Tom Quirk said in a statement, "and I think that County Executive Kamenetz was wise to move forward quickly with equipping our officers."

Photo Credit: Baltimore County Police Department.