Body Cameras

About

During the 2016–2017 fiscal year budget process, the Cody City Council approved funding to replace the Cody Police Department’s antiquated in-car camera system with an integrated body-worn and in-car camera system in the amount of $140,000. To assist with those project funds, the Cody Police Department utilized a $50,000 US Department of Justice grant to implement the system.

The goal of this project was to enhance police-community interactions, build continual citizen trust, and demonstrate the Department’s commitment to transparency.

The integrated camera system supplements community-minded policing and enhances the effectiveness of judicial processes through accurate, high-quality audio and video documentation during traffic stops and other enforcement actions.

Community involvement was crucial to develop a body camera policy that builds on the existing positive relationship between law enforcement officers and community members. Citizen engagement tools included community surveys, public forums, and social media.

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Goals

  1. Enhance the welfare and safety of police officers and citizens. The video recording capabilities of body-worn and in-car will aid in Cody Police Department's mission to protect Cody's citizens by way of community policing.

  2. Improve the effectiveness of judicial processes. Audio and video documentation of interactions between officers, citizens, offenders, and witnesses will fortify and validate the accuracy of court rulings.

  3. Improve the public perception of the Cody Police Department’s operational transparency. Body-worn and in-car camera systems will capture all pertinent law enforcement engagements and provide accurate video evidence to document policing actions in the field of operation. This standard of always-on video recording will reduce the frequency of officer complains and potential liability claims.

  4. Establish a long-term body-worn camera program. As an integral component of patrol operations, the body-worn and in-car camera system must maintain financial sustainability, technical relevancy, and operational effectiveness.