Arlington Rolls Out Body Cameras For All Police Officers

ARLINGTON, TX — The Arlington Police Department announced Thursday the city is rolling out a plan to issue body-warn cameras to all sworn officers, sergeants and lieutenants by March 2018.

The officers will be required to turn on the cameras during any calls for service and law enforcement-related activities including traffic stops, investigations, interviews, arrests, searches, uses of force, critical incidents, pursuits and other encounters that become confrontational. Officers are also also encouraged to alert individuals that they are being recorded.

Police, however, are discouraged from recording "in locations where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy." This includes residences, where officers are not allowed to record unless it's part of an ongoing investigation or the execution of an arrest or search warrant, according to department policy regarding body-worn cameras.

Officers' uniforms were retrofitted to allow the cameras to be worn in shirts, jackets, and safety vests. The cameras will be mounted to the inside of the garments and will capture audio and video of citizen encounters that are required by policy.

The Arlington City Council authorized the police department to negotiate a contract for body-worn cameras over the summer. The vendor selected by the department was Utility Associates, Inc. Officers who have been issued equipment have been trained in their use, operation, and applicable policies, Arlington police say.

The Arlington Police Department created a website to educate the public about the rollout of body-cameras.

Image via Arlington Police Department