Camera technology protecting Community, Officers
Elizabethton, TN – In these times, it’s pivotal for the police to have access to modern technology, considering the ubiquity of cameras attached to everyone’s phones. The Elizabethton Police Department has been keeping pace with this trend, by incorporating cameras into various aspects of their job.
This adaptation has been making considerable contributions towards safeguarding both the police officers from unfounded allegations and the local community as it ensures careful documentation of every incident, enabling meticulous assessment afterwards.
Body Worn Cameras
The benefits of body worn cameras have been significant for the Elizabethton Police Department. Ensuring transparency is one of the chief advantages of such technology – with everything being recorded, the specifics of each engagement between an officer and a citizen can be analyzed, including any complaints made by the citizens, simplifying the process of claim investigation.
According to Sgt. David Johnson, these cameras “show that we as an agency aren’t hiding anything from our community and displays the professionalism that we strive to have each day as public servants.” The recorded videos also aid in training as well as in validating and supporting evidence. Consequently, the footage can then be produced as evidence for arrests and prosecutions. “We can review the footage and help identify individuals, analyze encounters, and evaluate interviews. They have shown to be successful for our agency,” Johnson added.
Integration of Various Camera Systems
Another key aspect of the department’s innovative approach has been the integration of various camera systems including in-car systems, body-worn cameras, and interview room cameras. This synchronization has been pivotal in maintaining uniformity across the system, enabling swift sharing of camera footage with the District Attorney’s Office. In regard of this, Johnson stated, “Appreciatively, the systems make it easy to do. I can search the video by date, officer, or device.”
Interview Room Cameras
The department’s interview room recording system was financed through the Rural Violence Crime Reduction Grant (RVCRI). This initiative, funded by the Bureau of Justice, aids rural law enforcement agencies in reducing violent crimes and addressing relevant issues. “The project team helps us implement the program,” said EPD Captain Elonza Perkins. “We discuss implementation progress and how the program is actually working.”
