Las Cruces Police getting body cameras
The Las Cruces Police Department is getting body cameras for all its officers on the street. And ABC-7 is looking into how it would work, and how much it will cost.
The Las Cruces Police department is reviewing policies and getting ready for another 60 body cameras to arrive in Las Cruces. The camera is always rolling, saving the last 30 seconds of video. When an officer hits the record button, the video saved will include the 30 seconds before he or she hit the button.
“It’s another tool for law enforcement,” said Deputy Chief Justin Dunivan of the LCPD. “And as we’ve reviewed this process, this isn’t something we just started recently, this has been a long process. Based on funding, the original Scorpion camera was approximately $100, that we had limited funds in the initial implementation phase.”
These new Axon cameras from Taser run much higher at $600 each, but the department says the durability difference is worth it. The program’s $320,000 cost includes the equipment, warranties and software to store and manage all the video coming in. Funding comes from both the city, and grants.
The new camera system that the LCPD is working with attaches in a variety of ways to helmets, lapels, eyeglasses, whatever the necessary equipment is for what the officers are doing at the time. And both parts, the recording device and the camera itself, weigh together less than half a pound.
The department hopes to save money in the long run. From 2011 through 2013, there were 401 complaints made against officers at all levels. Clear video should make it easier to resolve complaints one way or the other.
“I feel like it would be a good idea,” said Las Cruces resident Stephanie Midwood. “I mean, everyone should be accountable, and with all the technology we have, why not use what’s available to us to keep everyone protected.”
“I think it’s good,” said George Elder, another Las Cruces resident. “I think what will be more telling is as they use it for a while. There’s been controversy recently about police departments around the country. So this should give them some protection. I bet they’re all for it.”
