Pasadena Police Department Wear Body Worn Cameras Ahead of Schedule

Body worn cameras will strengthen police accountability. – Courtesy photo

The adoption of the body worn cameras (BWCs) by police agencies across the country is seen as strengthening police accountability by documenting incidents and encounters between officers and the public.

On Nov. 4, Pasadena Police officers and employees completed their training on the use of the cameras and received a copy of the Department’s BWC policy. Beginning Monday, Nov. 7, BWCs will be deployed for regular use.

The BWC Policy was posted on the Police Department’s website. Pursuant to Pasadena Municipal Code Section 2.295.030, the Chief of Police, subject to the City Manager’s approval, has the authority to adopt rules and regulations for the administration and discipline of officers and employees of the department. Additionally, the policy has been subject to the Meet and Confer process with the Pasadena Police Officers Association.

The BWCs will document incidents between officers and the public. – Courtesy photo

There had been a request to publically release the policy as a “draft” and subject to further discussions. Doing so would not have been consistent with the closure reached by the meet and confer process and the above stated Municipal Code provision. Nevertheless, as with all policies, public comment is welcome. During the development of the BWC policy, the Council’s Public Safety Committee provided opportunity for public input and the City Manager and Police Chief met with members of Coalitions for Increased Civilian Oversight of Pasadena Police to discuss use of the BWC. At the next regularly scheduled Public Safety Committee Meeting, currently scheduled for Nov. 21 staff will provide an update on the implementation as well as an overview of the policy; an opportunity for public comment will also be provided.

Given that BWCs are a new technology, there will likely be changes to the policy governing their use over time as there is more real-world experience with them. It is also likely the state legislature may step in at some point to establish state-wide standards. The Pasadena Police Department’s executives, supervisors, officers, and employees are excited about the BWC program and look forward to deploying them on Nov. 7.