Summer 2018 Hometown Messenger

PUBLIC SAFETY CORNER

Another set of eyes on the beat Shakopee officers begin wearing body worn cameras in April

Nestled among the many gadgets on Officer JeffWyckoff's uniform is a new device intended to give police added accountability and security while out on the beat. In April, the Shakopee Police Department rolled out its body worn camera program. So far, the reviews have been favorable. "The camera protects the officer and the public by showing what transpires in our interactions," Wyckoff said. "Overall, I think they have been a positive addition and will be invaluable for our department." In 2016, the city received a $60,000 matching grant from the Department of Justice to develop a body worn camera policy and purchase the necessary equipment. After researching other departments' policies, gathering community input and testing various devices, the department opted in March for a system that integrates with its squad's in-car video system. "We tested this equipment for nearly a year

"Not only does it lend itself to transparency of police operations, but research has shown that people's behavior is positively modified when they know they are being recorded." Chris Dellwo Police Captain

ABOUT BODYWORN CAMERAS Because they are integrated with the department's in-car system, the cameras automatically turn on when a squad car lights are turned on. Officers can manually turn the cameras on/off at their own discretion, as allowed by the department's policy. Officers do not have to inform the public the camera is recording. Video footage is not reviewable by the general public (unless released by the department). A person must be involved in the case to view video.

before we decided to fully implement it department wide," said Capt. Chris Dellwo. "For the most part the transition has been quite smooth. Officers have embraced the technology and the success rate at which we are seeing it being used indicates it is very user friendly." While body worn cameras have become an expectation of the public, Dellwo andWyckoff say the cameras are not the be-all, end-all solution for policing. The cameras can't see everything and sometimes will capture what an officer does not see. Yet, the officers are optimistic the cameras will enhance the department's evidence collection, translating into more successful prosecutions.

"Not only does it lend itself to transparency of police operations, but research has shown that people's behavior is positively modified when they know they are being recorded," Dellwo said. "Video is also a tremendous tool in resolving complaints and concerns of officers’ actions." For more information about the department's body worn camera program, contact us at 952-233-9400 or police@ShakopeeMN.gov.

MOCK CAR CRASH AT SHAKOPEE HIGH Shakopee Police and Fire departments were among the many emergency responders who participated in a mock car crash at Shakopee High School in April. The event, held every three years, is intended to raise awareness among students before prom and graduation season of the dangers of drunk driving.

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