The Carlsbad Police department will start a four to six-week trial of body cameras on Tuesday the department said.
The test will include six police officers, but they are hoping to eventually all officers with body cameras.
“We are always looking for ways to be innovative and use technology to ensure effective police work,” said Interim Police Chief Neil Gallucci. “Body-worn cameras not only assist in the collection of evidence, but they can also enhance public trust and our ability to safely collaborate toward the common goal of a safe and secure Carlsbad.”
The department is also finalizing a policy over when to turn cameras on, when not to use them, who can access the footage and how the data will be stored. The department has been working with other regional agencies and the District Attorney’s office and has reviewed national information while creating the policy according to the project manager Cpt. Mickey Williams.
"We want to involve the community as we test and rollout this new tool,” said Chief Gallucci. “We understand there is a lot of curiosity about body-worn cameras, and we want the public to have as much information as possible about the department’s use of this resource.”
Other countywide agencies that are testing or have adopted the use of body-worn cameras are the San Diego Police Department, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, Chula Vista Police Department, Coronado Police Department, and Escondido Police Department.
The department chose the TASER Axon Flex Camera for the trial because of its accessibility and the fact that other agencies in the county are using the camera. During the trial, footage will be stored by the TASER Company under an agreement that will allow the District Attorney’s Office access to the stored footage.
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The initial cost for the first year is projected to be $212,316. This includes the equipment, officer training and data storage. Subsequent years are projected at $123,148. The policy will be on the department’s website when it’s complete.
