Seattle police release first body-cam footage
Dec 23, 2014, 11:58 AM | Updated: 12:04 pm
Seattle police officers began testing body-worn video cameras this week and they have published one of the videos to the police blotter.
In the first release of what SPD blotter writer Jonah Spangenthal-Lee calls “thrilling first-person police video,” an officer is shown responding to a report of a disabled vehicle.
As the officer approaches the scene, he offers a verbal warning to the first person he encounters, who happens to be another police officer, informing him that he is being recorded: “I have to inform you you’re being audio-video recorded.” His fellow officer responds saying: “I’ve got to inform you you’re being audio-video recorded.”
Twelve Seattle police officers are using the new body-worn cameras as part of a closely-watched pilot project.
Under the pilot program, the 12 officers from the East Precinct – which includes Capitol Hill – will test out two different systems in trials lasting 60-90 days each.
The officers manually control the cameras. They will record activity such as responses to 911 calls, traffic stops, arrests and seizures and questioning of suspects or witnesses. They are required to notify people they are being recorded as soon as practical.
While the pilot comes in the wake of the widespread protests sparked by recent controversial decisions in Ferguson, Mo. and New York, officials point out the department had been exploring body cams for some time and was working on the pilot project well before the Ferguson incident.
Once the pilot is concluded, officials will review the results in close consultation with various groups and then decide whether to seek to expand it in the future.
