Roughly 25 vehicles are currently equipped with the cameras.
An audio and video-recording device is for front-facing activity outside the vehicle and within the prisoner-control area of the rear seat according to a press release.
When the cameras are activated, 30 seconds of footage are captured beforehand to provide additional context. Audio recording is not triggered at that time.
Camera activations are either automated or manual. Once they record, officers must disclose any reason why they have deactivated the camera. They must also notify anyone if they are being recorded.
“This is important technology for your police service as it will help with transparency, accountability, efficiency, and effectiveness,” says Chief Stuart Betts. “But most importantly it’s about safety for the community and safety for officers.”