CU Boulder Police Now Wearing Body Cameras

BOULDER, CO — University of Colorado Boulder police officers are now wearing body cameras, which are expected to record most audio and visual interactions with the public, the police department said.

Over the past few years, police departments across the country have been using the equipment to support their reports and testimonies. The cameras will also enable CU Boulder police administrators to conduct periodic officer reviews to ensure high levels of service with the public.

“Body-worn cameras are an important tool for our officers and our community,” CU Boulder Chief of Police Doreen Jokerst said in a statement. “The use of these cameras strengthens both transparency and accountability for our officers. And it can also de-escalate intense situations to better ensure safety of the public and our officers.”

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The department has spent the past few months searching for a vendor for the cameras, hiring data management personnel and writing policy to accompany the new equipment. The department sought input from the CU Boulder Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance, University Legal Counsel, Boulder County District Attorney’s Office and American Civil Liberties Union.

“Chief Jokerst and the CU Bolder Police Department have proven that when police departments are genuinely committed to promoting police transparency and accountability and protecting privacy, they can craft exceptional police body camera policies that serve the needs of all stakeholders,” said Chad Marlow, ACLU senior advocacy and policy counsel, in a statement. “The ACLU is pleased to have been able to work with the CUPD to develop a policy that respects everyone’s rights and holds them accountable.”

The Boulder Police Department has been using body-worn cameras for the past few years.