As the RCPD and PCSO continue to work toward implementation of a body-worn camera program among the agencies’ officers and deputies, the public is invited to review and submit their input on the proposed policy which would guide operation of the body-worn camera systems.
The policy can be viewed at http://bit.ly/2Bqvqa4. The comment submission form is also available at this link. Public input will be accepted through December 15th, 2017.
“Body-worn cameras are an emerging technology in the world of law enforcement,” says Jennie Clabo, coordinator of the RCPD/PCSO body-worn camera implementation project. “We understand the public may want the chance to have some input as we work to implement this program. This is why we are offering members of the community the chance to review the drafted policy.”
At the time of this release, the draft policy has been reviewed by several outside groups, including the Pennington County State’s Attorney’s Office, the Pennington County Public Defender’s Office, and the RCPD’s citizen-based Community Advisory Committee.
In early January 2018, the RCPD and PCSO intend to begin a three-month pilot program in which a small fraction of officers and deputies will utilize cameras from two different manufacturers. Following the results of this pilot program, both agencies intend to have body-worn cameras fully implemented into their respective patrol operations by summer of 2018. Funding for the program comes from a $300,000 Department of Justice grant with the RCPD and PCSO each contributing $150,000 in matching funds.
