D.C. Police to Start Body-Worn Camera Pilot Program

D.C. police officers will start wearing body cameras in a pilot program beginning Oct. 1, Mayor Vincent Gray and Chief Cathy Lanier announced Wednesday.

The purpose of the cameras is to accurately document incidents, arrests, and statements, Lanier said.

The pilot will include about 165 Metropolitan Police Department officers from all seven police districts, the Special Operations Division, and the School Safety Division.

“We are in an age where this type of technology is becoming more common, and we want to capitalize on that,” Chief Lanier said. “The presence of cameras will benefit the community and MPD members by improving police services, increasing accountability and enhancing public safety.”

Each officer will try five cameras from three different vendors. The pilot will last about six months and the officers will provide feedback on each camera.

The spring budget factored in $1 million for the purchase of the cameras.

“Our Metropolitan Police Department has been a leader in using technology to aid policing and public safety, and I want to commend Chief Lanier and the department for implementing this program, which has been in the works for more a year,” Mayor Gray said.