The Federal Way City Council recently approved body cameras for officers in the Federal Way Police Department.
Police departments throughout the country are increasing their use of body cameras. The small devices are usually worn on a police officer’s chest, where they record audio and video of interactions with members of the public. The recordings are stored and can be reviewed later.
The use of cameras is new for police in Federal Way, where the department has not previously used either body or dashboard cameras. Automated License Plate Reading cameras are mounted on only four police cruisers.
The decision as to whether to use cameras is up to the mayor of Federal Way and the city council, who are both the decision makers and the oversight board for the police department. The cost of the cameras would initially be $942,800. The sum includes $581,800 for licenses, equipment, and training, and $361,000 for personnel costs. It is anticipated that the total cost over five years will be $2,190,477.
Funding for the program comes from the recently passed American Rescue Plan, which granted $19 million to the city of Federal Way, and Axon will provide the equipment, which comprises 143 cameras. Officials could use brochure printing to create pamphlets for residents explaining measures like this.
The goal is to have the cameras in place by January 1, 2022. The favorable council vote was unanimous.
