The Lake Stevens Police Department plans to implement a body-worn camera program in May that will be phased in over several months, the police department announced Thursday.
The department says the move is meant to “increase transparency in policing services,” according to a news release.
“”We understand trust between the public and our agency is key to achieving the mission and vision of the Lake Stevens Police Department,” said Chief Jeffrey Beazizo. “Transparency is the foundation of that trust and the expectation that police actions be recorded is increasingly common.”
Under the new program, all uniformed personnel who interact with the public will wear and activate a body-worn camera during law enforcement activities, such as traffic stops, contacts with suspicious persons, 911 calls, and more. Before the program starts, all officers must review department policy and will receive training on when body-worn cameras can and cannot be used.
According to the news release, the program will help Lake Stevens police comply with new laws that require law enforcement officers to record interviews, with juveniles and with persons suspected of committing felony crimes.
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