LBPD Body Cam Plan Progressing, Chief Luna Estimates Test Could Begin In LBPD Division With The Heaviest Likely Use A Few Weeks After Start of 2016; Digital Devices Will Capture Video & Audio Of Both Sides When Police Contact Anyone: Suspects Or Other Member Of Public

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LBPD Body Cam Plan Progressing, Chief Luna Estimates Test Could Begin In LBPD Division With The Heaviest Likely Use A Few Weeks After Start of 2016; Digital Devices Will Capture Video & Audio Of Both Sides When Police Contact Anyone: Suspects Or Other Members Of Public

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(Sept. 3, 2015) -- LBREPORT.com has learned that plans are advancing, but haven't yet gelled with a signed contract, to implement a pilot (test) of "body cams" in one of LBPD's three divisions shortly after the start of 2016.

The body cams, afixed to an officer's uniform, are small digital devices that accurately preserve with video and sound what takes place -- on both sides -- during a contact between an officer and any third party (a suspect or any member of the public.)

LBPD Chief Robert Luna told LB media reps on Sept. 2 that he estimates the body cams could become implemented a few weeks into January or perhaps early February 2016 in one of LBPD's three divisions -- the one he indicated would be most likely to derive the greatest benefits of test (but didn't specify which division that is; LBPD now has three divisions: north, east and west (and west includes what used to be south.)

The Chief indicated that implementing the body cam pilot program after the new year would allow for a smooth test in one division after normal annual rotations/reassignments of officers among LBPD's divisions. (Officers have an opportunity to request rotation into different shifts in different divisions based on seniority and shift availability; it's an annual process.)

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LBPD Administration Bureau Chief Braden Phillips indicated the body cam plan has been steadily pursued and is fairly far along, but since a contract hasn't been signed, he declined to provide details of the cameras' operation for now.

He did say with a smile that it's technologically quite impressive.

Developing.

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A January 7, 2015 release (accompanying release of LBPD's annual crime statistics) indicated that efforts were then "underway to implement a body camera pilot program in the Long Beach Police Department. As part of the Fiscal Year 2015 adopted budget, the city council approved non-recurring funds to support a body camera pilot program [about $210,000 for "transparent, responsible policing."] A body-worn camera committee has been underway for approximately one year studying the various operational policies and financial effects of instituting body cameras."

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