San Diego Sheriff Launches Body Cam Trial

The Vista Sheriff's Station will have the most cameras of the six trial stations.

Deputies with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department began testing the use of body cameras Friday, with six stations participating in the 90-day trial.

The cameras will be tested at six stations including Rancho San Diego Station, Lakeside Substation, Vista Station, North Coastal Station, Rural Command, and in the Hall of Justice.

Personal body cams created by WatchGuard Video, TASER International, and Vievu will each be tested in 30-day long periods, according to the Sheriff’s Department.

At the end of the entire trial, deputies’ product feedback will help influence the brand or type of device the department selects, explained the Sheriff’s office.

The process of incorporating body cameras into the Sheriff's Department began in August 2014 when the department created a body cam committee. The committee researched companies, equipment, video storage options, and camera protocols and policies. Other agencies such as San Diego, Escondido, Chula Vista and Carlsbad Police Departments were also consulted about their experiences with personal recording devices. Representatives from the Data Service Division, Training Unit, Contracts Division, and Patrol and Detentions unit were included in the committee, said the Sheriff’s Department.

San Diego’s use of police body cameras started in 2012 when Coronado added several devices to their police force. The San Diego Police Department followed in April 2014 with a 10-camera trial. Other departments, such as Del Mar and Chula Vista incorporated cameras by late 2014 and early 2015.

For the current San Diego County Sheriff’s Department body camera trial policy and protocol, click here.
 

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