Body camera trials and new uniforms set for SPD officers

Earlier today, Mayor Ed Murray and Seattle Police Chief Kathleen O’Toole discussed the department’s new pilot project on body-worn cameras and also unveiled the new uniforms officers that they will wear while working around the city.

“Body cameras have been a long-time coming and they are finally here,” said Murray. “This tool will improve community policing and support accountability for our officers. Above all, they will make our neighborhoods safer.”

“Body cameras will be a game changer, a progressive means to improve public safety, police accountability, transparency, and trust with the community,” said Seattle Councilmember Bruce Harrell, chair of the Public Safety, Civil Rights and Technology Committee.

In the East Precinct, SPD will train 12 officers in the use of the body cameras which will be trialed on the field next week. The department will use the trials to decide between two technologies, as well as refine data retention and public disclosure processes.

The body cameras will assist in documenting arrests and support convictions when crimes are committed. They will not be used to invade personal privacy, unless there is a suspicion that a crime in being committed or when it’s material to a criminal investigation.

The American Civil Liberties Union and Community Police Commission provided significant input as the department developed the policy that will govern the use of the cameras. Research has found that departments using such cameras have experienced a decline in assaults on officers. But they have also been shown to reduce the need for officers to use force.

The new SPD uniforms were also revealed which is the first full uniform update for officers in 52 years. The new uniforms include a new patch and emblem for the department featuring Chief Seattle (furthest right in below photo).

“These new uniforms look very professional,” said Murray. “It’s been decades since the uniforms have been updated, so we’re overdue.”

Officers will start wearing the new uniform in January and it will be implemented department-wide by March.

SPD will also continue to phase in their new Ford Interceptor SUV patrol cars in the new year. Ford recently stopped producing the Crown Victoria Interceptor, which has long been the standard patrol car used by SPD and many other police agencies. As a result, a new vehicle was  selected which SPD began phasing into service in early 2014.

Click here to learn more about the new uniforms and patrol cars.