The Portland Police Bureau under Chief Chuck Lovell has moved forward in acquiring body cameras for its officers, asking that vendors provide sealed competitive proposals to provide this technology. This program is expected to be implemented in 2023.

In a press release, the PPB said "Having followed the evolution of body-worn camera technology for several years, PPB believes the technology supports 21st Century Policing and will enhance the community-police relationship by providing additional transparency into the daily operations of the Police Bureau."

During the 2021 Session, the Oregon Legislature asked the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission to study the use of body cams by police in SB 668. The CJC has been positive on the use of body cams but cites cost as a downside. The cameras themselves are not that expensive, but the storage, management and review of literally thousands of hours of video each month becomes costly.

Body-worn camera systems will also build community trust, which is essential to effectively serving a city of Portland's size, diversity, and complexity. Body-worn cameras will provide police officers and community members with greater accountability and a better understanding of critical events of public concern. Additionally, body-worn camera systems will facilitate fair and transparent adjudication of criminal and civil matters.

To that effect, PPB is currently seeking competitive proposals from qualified Vendors with demonstrated experience in Law Enforcement Body Worn Cameras.

According to a US Department of Justice bulletin published in 2016, almost half of all police departments had body-worn cameras .


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-01-25 09:15:29

Last Update: 2022-01-25 10:07:01