IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 1, 2021

MEDIA CONTACTS

Tacoma, Wash. –Tacoma Police Department has completed deployment of more than 257 body worn cameras to its police officers.

Since the program began in January, and working on an accelerated timeline, the department has trained all patrol and community oriented policing officers in the use, policy and procedures of the cameras, which are now part of an officer’s uniform.

“Having all of our uniformed officers who are in the field equipped with a body worn camera is a significant step in our department’s efforts to be transformative,” said Interim Police Chief Mike Ake. “This program is important to our commitment to build trust, and it provides another information source when our officers interact with the community.”

Officers will be required to activate the recording function of the body worn camera as soon as possible anytime they engage with the public in their law enforcement capacity. However, there are several instances where officers have the discretion not to record to protect the privacy and dignity of the community or sensitive law enforcement information.

The recommendation for a body worn camera program was community led and driven with requests coming from multiple sources including the City of Tacoma’s Project PEACE, Tacoma’s Community’s Advisory Police Committee and from community advocacy.

“We felt urgency to make body worn cameras a resource for our community and our officers, because they are a tool for better transparency,” said Assistant Chief Fred Scruggs.

To request video for a Tacoma Police Department case beginning after January 4, 2021, visit the Request a City Record on the City’s website.

For more information about the City’s Police Worn Body Camera Program, visit cityoftacoma.org/bodycameras. For more information about the Tacoma Police Department, visit cityoftacoma.org/Police.

###