Starting next month, Eugene police officers will wear bodycams while on duty. KLCC’s Brian Bull reports.
The EPD has purchased 162 camera systems from Axon/Taser, at a contract nearing half a million dollars.
“You push it twice, and it vibrates…there's a red light...”
Officer Sean Dillon demonstrates how the bodycam works. It’s roughly the size of a pager and is clipped to his chest.
“It’s definitely going to be an upgrade in our ability to explain what’s going on, and then show people what’s going on.”
The EPD explored bodycams back in 2013. The consensus was that they elevated video evidence past dash-mounted cameras.
Dillon says it also increases transparency and accountability for both officers and those they encounter.
“That’s one of the benefits is that you tell people we’re being recorded on body camera, then they’re going to know this is permanent, public record, and so we’re hoping that people do take that into effect when we’re contacting them.”
Bodycam footage will be available through a standard public records request. Eugene is the only Oregon city besides Beaverton to receive a Justice Department grant for the bodycams.
WEB EXTRA: SEE EPD FOOTAGE SHOT ON A BODYCAM:
Click https://vimeo.com/222551854","_id":"0000017b-98d2-d6d2-a7fb-9efb0b980003","_type":"035d81d3-5be2-3ed2-bc8a-6da208e0d9e2"}">
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