First Body Cameras Arrive; Police Prepare For Summertime Launch

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — The Anne Arundel County Police Department got its first shipment of body cameras, officials announced Monday. All officers must wear the new police accountability devices by the end of the year.

The department is still connecting the cameras to its data storage network. The initial batches of the Axon Body 3 cameras have rolled in over the past month. More shipments will arrive in the coming months.

All four county police precincts installed camera docking stations. These mounts will charge the equipment and upload its videos to the department's storage system.

Police also updated their patrol cars to include wireless controls for the cameras. Anytime an officer turns on their emergency lights, their body camera will automatically start recording. The department is still hiring staff to manage the body camera initiative.

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 a press release announcing the reform on Feb. 19. "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 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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