Title
Colorado Springs Police Department Body Worn Camera Project Summary
Body
From:
Commander Pat Rigdon, Colorado Springs Police Department
Summary:
The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) plans to join many departments across the nation in implementing a comprehensive Body Worn Camera Program. The primary goal of the program is to improve transparency and accountability in interactions between CSPD and the public. Another goal of the program is to improve evidence collection used in criminal and administrative investigations. CSPD has planned its deployment of cameras to involve community engagement, stakeholder partnership, and lessons learned from research and other agencies’ deployments.
Previous Council Action:
None.
Background:
The Colorado Springs Police Department has been researching the value and effectiveness of Body Worn Cameras (BWC) for nearly two years. Following a pilot testing period, CSPD applied for and was awarded a federal grant through the Bureau of Justice Assistance. CSPD plans to implement the first phase of camera deployment before second quarter 2016.
Financial Implications:
The actual total cost of the Body Worn Camera Program is not yet known, particularly the ongoing costs. The City is preparing to conduct a competitive process to select the vendor that is most advantageous to the BWC program when price, quality, and other factors are considered. However, it is reasonable to expect one-time and ongoing equipment, personnel, and service expenses. The City received a $600,000 grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance to help offset the cost of the program during 2016. The Mayor’s 2016 Preliminary Budget includes an additional $240,000 in General Fund funding to supplement the grant award. The City will plan the balance of the grant match ($360,000) for the 2017 Budget.
Board/Commission Recommendation:
N/A
Stakeholder Process:
CSPD’s implementation plan includes broad community and stakeholder engagement. Efforts are underway, or completed, to gather policy input including a citizen survey, community meetings, and stakeholder forums in partnership with UCCS.
The citizen survey is being conducted in partnership with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office and is available in English and Spanish on our website at: https://cspd.coloradosprings.gov/. It will be open and available until November 22, 2015, and CSPD asks for your assistance in distributing the survey widely to your constituents.
The community groups that have been, or will be, included in the stakeholder process include the following: American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), TESSA, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Chief’s Community Advisory Committee, Southern Ministerial Union, Citywide Neighborhood Watch Block Captains, and Police Foundation of Colorado Springs. The system stakeholders that have been, or will be, included in the stakeholder process include the following: El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, City Attorney’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, Law Enforcement Victim Advocacy, Police Protective Association, and Officer Advisory Committee.
Alternatives:
N/A
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
N/A
Summary of Ordinance Language
N/A