EPD Set To Launch Bodycam Initiative In July

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Brian Bull

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...” 

EDP Officer Sean Dillon, wearing a body cam.
Credit Brian Bull / KLCC

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"}">https://vimeo.com/222551854/786aa0c5f7">hereto see EPD Officer Sean Dillon https://vimeo.com/222551854","_id":"0000017b-98d2-d6d2-a7fb-9efb0b980003","_type":"035d81d3-5be2-3ed2-bc8a-6da208e0d9e2"}">https://vimeo.com/222551854/786aa0c5f7">demonstrate how the Axon/Taser bodycam works. 

Copyright 2017, KLCC. 

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Brian Bull is an assistant professor of journalism at the University of Oregon, and remains a contributor to the KLCC news department. He began working with KLCC in June 2016.   In his 27+ years as a public media journalist, he's worked at NPR, Twin Cities Public Television, South Dakota Public Broadcasting, Wisconsin Public Radio, and ideastream in Cleveland. His reporting has netted dozens of accolades, including four national Edward R. Murrow Awards (22 regional),  the Ohio Associated Press' Best Reporter Award, Best Radio Reporter from  the Native American Journalists Association, and the PRNDI/NEFE Award for Excellence in Consumer Finance Reporting.