Heather Curtis
WMAL.com
WASHINGTON (WMAL) – The Prince William County Police Department is receiving shipments of body cameras. Some patrol, K-9, school resource and traffic officers will start wearing them in September with the rest getting them by Thanksgiving. Officers are now undergoing training.
“This is a learning curve for us. Our department’s never had body worn cameras before, so we’re hoping that the officers will become accustomed to turning them on when necessary over the course of time,” said Prince William County Police Spokesperson Jonathan Perok.
Officers are allowed to turn the cameras on whenever they want to, but they are required to use them during traffic stops, arrests and pursuits. The footage will be used in criminal cases.
As the program progresses, Perok said it will be evaluated, and changes will be made if necessary.
An educational campaign started in June to make sure nobody is surprised when officers start wearing the cameras. Perok said they have gotten a positive response from the community about the new program.
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