Body Cameras Will Be Required For Anne Arundel County Police

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — The Anne Arundel County Police Department will soon require its officers to wear body cameras. The department announced the initiative in a Friday afternoon press release.

Officials think the first officers will get their cameras between July and September. These 100 officers will pilot the program and troubleshoot any errors. The rest of the department will get its cameras two to three months later.

"We look forward to the implementation of the program in the coming months, which will enhance the trust and relationship between our community and our officers," Chief Amal Awad said in the release. "Our program will also allow us to continue our commitment to transparency, and lead us to the highest level of accountability to the community we serve."

Police said they hope the cameras accomplish these goals:

• "Strengthen police accountability
• "Promote de-escalation
• "Enhance the ability to resolve officer-involved incidents and complaints
• "Improve transparency
• "Identify and correct internal agency issues
• "Strengthen officer performance and safety
• "Increase community safety"

Every officer will get two Axon Body 3 cameras to ensure they always have one charged for their shift. The money for the cameras was included in this year's county budget. The department will work with County Executive Steuart Pittman to answer questions from the community.

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