Code Enforcers Begin Wearing Body Cameras In Corte Madera: Report

CORTE MADERA, CA—The Corte Madera Town Council approved a policy allowing code enforcement officers to use body-worn cameras, according to a report.

The Marin Independent Journal reports Town Council unanimously approved the policy on Tuesday. The new policy went into effect immediately.

Town code enforcement officers enforce the town's municipal codes and investigate potential code violations. Corte Madera officials said this policy will increase transparency and provide a better record of officers' exchanges with the public.

Any recordings will be kept in a cloud-based system.

The town has purchased two Axon 3 body-worn cameras and related equipment for code enforcement personnel. This will cost the town $2,359.82 in the first year. License agreements will cost $618 for the next three years. The town is also considering buying additional cloud storage.

Code enforcement officers have been given increased responsibilities over the last year, a report from town officials said. Town Manager Todd Cusiamo said he was concerned about possible conflicts when enforcement officers approach owners of off-leash dogs in public spaces, the Marin Independent Journal reports.

A report by town officials said video recordings of interactions between these employees and the public "will provide an objective record of these contacts and can enhance the Town’s enforcement efforts, limit civil liability, increase transparency, enhance professionalism in the delivery of services, and enhance the delivery of training."

Code enforcement officers "shall activate use of the BWC (body-worn camera) immediately upon all interactions with members of the public or as soon as possible upon initiation of a citizen interaction, when the Code Enforcement Officer is engaging in enforcement activity," the policy states.

On public property and commercial property, the code enforcement officers are not required to ask for permission when filming encounters with citizens, but are required to tell the citizens there is a recording in progress.

The code enforcement officer must ask permission to activate the body camera while entering private residential property.

You may read the full policy and staff report here.