Equipment

[midcoguy]

I work in a 7 man department in a town of about 4500 people. We have one working camera in the whole department. I have pointed out the importance of in-car cameras. I'm new to the department and considered "new school". The city council and police chief dont believe that the cameras are a neccassry tool. I was just looking for advice on how to present a solid case to the superiors. I would also appreciate any advice on grants that would be of use.

[Tpr]

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[Phil H.]

im sure there are thousands of complaints that have been leveled against officers that have been squashed by the cameras. Chiefs and governments love hearing about how they can save money. squashing a frivolous lawsuit can save millions. the videos can also be used in training applications, FATS simulations, tracking down a badguy, etc. you guys might wanna apply for a grant as well.

[Phil H.]

If your new, you should probably just use whats provided. Trying to convince the older guys how they should spend their budgets won't be well received by anyone. Especially if your a "FNG". A lot of agencies don't have cameras and still manage to get the job done. I would advise you to just use what they can provide you with and just get the job done.

a valid point. being the FNG, you dont have a lotta 'street cred' yet but you could always 'suggest' the reasons why its a good idea that i listed. in a town of 4500 peeps it would seem kinda silly unless you have a major freeway running through it.

[midcoguy]

Hwy 18 connects to Denver and its well known for drugs. I may be a FNG, but i dont think a town of 4500 people has anything to do with needing cameras. DUI's, assaualts, and false acquisations happen here to.

[MMeeusen]

Hwy 18 connects to Denver and its well known for drugs. I may be a FNG, but i dont think a town of 4500 people has anything to do with needing cameras. DUI's, assaualts, and false acquisations happen here to.


I work for a department that has 3 full time and 8 part time and we have cameras...whether 1 million or 1000 cameras will always be helpful

[tutt101]

I would probably wait a little while, at least a year or two. While you're doing that research it. Find stats or information on when they are used. Look for news stories on camera use and how they stopped a lawsuit or something. Get articles on how they are very useful and persuasive with judges and jurors.

Also research grant information. If you can get them real cheep it will help out a lot.

Then when you have some street time, go back and present your argument.

I work for a smaller village as well, about 2x yours, and we get very few complaints or lawsuits against us. Most of the management has the old school mentality and the, “It’s always been done that way,” way of thinking, and I’m sure it’s the same for you. We have a lot of problems with it and it’s a very difficult thing to get past. All I can really say is lots of luck to you; you’ll need it!

[Phil H.]

hey midco, i forgot to ask. why do you want cameras? i like em personally but was wondering why you think ya all need em? safety? liability?

[L-1]

Reading between the lines, I doubt that the need for, or usefulness of the cameras is really the issue.

If the City Council is involved, that means the PD does not have the money in its budget for the cameras and the Chief has already asked the City Council about either supplementing the current budget or increasing the next fiscal year's budget to buy them. You are a small town of 4,500 people, which means your tax base (revenue source) is minimal to begin with. Your department probably represents the biggest chunk of the city's budget and other department's budgets would have to be reduced by a commensurate amount in order to fund your purchase. This is not reasonable to ask of other departments, particularly when they are already making cuts because tax revenue is diminishing due to the recession.

Don't misunderstand. I'm not bashing cameras - I think they are a great tool. I'm just pointing out when someone says they don't believe something is "necessary," quite often it's the government way of saying they just don't have the money to pay for it.

[chiefcop]

I have worked in locations where cameras would have been great tools. TYears ago prosecutors in some areas did not want to prosecure anything that was not recorded/.....( I asked what did they do before audio and video came into law enforcement....not well received) :o

Cameras are great tools for many reasons. I feel that they are a great addition to the officer's observations.

Now the "necessary tool" comment. I would agree with other posters. The budget is most likely not there yet. Also, some of the older officers there may not like the idea of cameras.

I did not like the idea of cameras at first either. I worked where it was mandatory to turn on record at the beginning of shift and not turn off record untill end of shift. Geesh do "they" want to watch everything I do!!!!:eek:
That was my thoughts until, I I found that the camera caught things I saw in a split second, yet I could rewind and look at the tape for confirmation. Humm it is ok. Then a few times citizens complained about getting a ticket. Review the tape. Unfounded as the officer did not do what the citzen claimed. Now the videos were my friend.

Change is difficult for anyone, especially cops.

If you feel you can, maybe ask the sgt. or go through your chain of command and ask permission to locate a grant for a few cameras. The grants are far and few between lately, but with determination you may be able to obtain one or two a year.