HoCo Police To Be Equipped With Body Cameras

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Officers with the Howard County Police Department and Sheriff's Office soon will be equipped with body cameras. Last summer, Howard County officials proposed supplying body cameras to 300 uniformed officers who have direct and regular contact with the public. The county anticipates acquiring equipment and conducting officer training when funding becomes available July 1. The $32 million expense covers the Howard County Police Department, Howard County Sheriff's Office and the State's Attorney's Office, and is included in the county's fiscal year 2022 operating budget.

“Nationwide, we know that many communities are hurting and have faced injustice at the hands of those entrusted to protect and serve,” Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said. “While we have not had issues in Howard County like those in other parts of the country, there is much work to be done to restore confidence and rebuild relationships, especially within communities of color. Focusing on public safety and reinforcing public trust remains a priority of my Administration and we’re pleased to be moving this popular program forward in Howard County."

Howard County Police Chief Lisa Myers said the county's body camera pilot program proved there would be value in implementing the technology. Howard County Sheriff Marcus Harris said he is an advocate for the cameras and that they would be good for residents, too, because "it builds trust and provides transparency between law enforcement and the community that we serve.”

• Cameras for 300 uniformed officers
• New Body Worn Camera Division and Video Management Section
• 10 new positions (three sworn, seven civilian)
• Extensive training for every sworn member and many civilians
• Equipment acquisition