PW Police Begin Body Camera Test Next Week

Photo Courtesy of Prince William County Police

Prince William County Police will begin a 60-day field test of body-worn cameras next week.

"The Department will deploy approximately 30 Body-Worn Cameras throughout the agency," police spokesman Sergeant Jonathan L. Perok said. "Once testing is complete, the results will be reviewed and evaluated by the department and internal stakeholders and presented to the Board of County Supervisors for its consideration and direction."

The Board of County Supervisors voted last year to provide funding for the initiative and directed the department to implement the use of body-worm cameras. An internal committee of stakeholders developed and shared a draft of a policy with neighborhood and business associations, human/civil rights organizations, faith-based organizations, news and media outlets, and educational institutions to ensure the legality and proper operation of the cameras.

The department reported findings of a feasibility study with the BOCS of the how the system would be implemented Jan. 19.

"The Police Department remains committed to protecting our citizens’ constitutional and legal rights, while impartially enforcing the law," Perok said. "The use of the Body-Worn Camera is intended to enhance public trust by documenting law enforcement contacts with the public while promoting accountability,transparency, and professionalism."