The Oklahoma Eagle Newswire
The Tulsa Police Department (TPD) has fully implemented the body-worn camera system for all police field officers and posted the body-worn camera policy online; two recommendations made by the Tulsa Commission on Community Policing.
“Implementing body-worn cameras is an important step in fostering relationships throughout the community while providing efficiencies within the police department,” Mayor G.T. Bynum said. “I’m proud of the officers for embracing this new technology for the betterment of our city.”
Over 450 body-worn cameras are being utilized in the field and the body-worn camera policy is located within TPD’s Policies and Procedures on the Tulsa Police website, pg. 325. See the attached picture of a TPD body-worn camera.
Many logistical and technical steps had to occur before the body-worn cameras were fully implemented, including: officer training, field testing, patrol car hardware updates, data storage and the officer body-worn camera policy and procedures.
“We have found the body-worn camera system to be very beneficial thus far as the cameras have not only provided transparency, but provided valuable video evidence in investigations,” Police Chief Chuck Jordan said. “We are proud to have an additional tool that will help strengthen our department and the community.”
Community Policing in Tulsa
Composed of community members and city and police officials, the T ulsa Commission on Community Policing submitted 77 recommendations focused on community policing needs in Tulsa. One recommendation from the Commission was the full implementation of body cameras. You can continue to track the progress of the recommendations by visiting, www.cityoftulsa.org/dashboards.
