This week, officers from the Lafayette Police Department completed training on the Taser Axon Body Camera Systems. Deployment of the body camera's has begun, and community members should now expect to see officers outfitted with this highly-customized, intuitive on-officer video platform. These body cameras will take local policing to the next level and provide our officers with the most sophisticated technology and equipment currently available. Implementation of the body camera program is another integral component of our community's safety and crime prevention initiatives.
The cameras will be utilized by officers on all police-related citizen contacts. In addition to our existing in-car camera systems that have been in use for nearly 20 years, the body cameras will give an additional perspective involving police-citizen interactions. The goals associated with the body worn cameras will be to enhance investigations, assist in crime fighting efforts, and help build community trust.
"We are excited about the expanded use of video in our policing activities because we are confident it will assist in capturing an additional perspective during police investigations. This additional evidence will help build stronger criminal cases," said Chief Patrick Flannelly.
Chief Flannelly also reminded participants in the program that video captured by body cameras is just one more piece of evidence now available in helping solve problems in our community. As amazing as this technology is, it will never replace the sound judgment, experience, and training of our professional police officers. However, this additional piece of equipment will assist officers in daily interactions with our community.
A live demonstration of the new camera systems will take place in the coming weeks as we complete the program deployment and training for all department personnel.