Starting in March, 2017, the Sacramento Police Department began issuing new Body Worn Cameras (BWCs) to officers for use in the field.  The wireless cameras are worn on the officer’s uniform and are able to capture video and audio during the course of their duties.

The initial deployment of these cameras is the first step in a department-wide rollout of the BWCs that will be completed in phases.  The first officers receiving the cameras are those assigned to units that do not currently have access to existing in-car-camera hardware.  All of our sworn officers are expected to be outfitted and trained in the use of the cameras by September of 2017.

The Department first began its search for a BWC solution in early 2015.  A rigorous testing and internal evaluation process of seven camera products from six different manufacturers was conducted.  At the conclusion of that testing, the Department presented a proposal to the Sacramento City Council that included a recommendation for the Axon brand BWC. 

The five-year agreement with the Axon company cost just under four million dollars which includes hardware and software for all of our sworn personnel as well as a video storage solution and IT support.  The contract also includes upgrades to the BWC hardware throughout the contract period to ensure officers have the most current cameras available to them for use.  The implementation of the BWC program has been funded through 2018 by a combination of existing grant funding and Measure U funds.

The Department has had in-car camera systems for nearly two decades and the deployment of these new body worn cameras is an extension of this program.  These cameras will be a great asset in assisting officers with investigations and providing transparency to the community.  Officers within the Department welcome this new technology and understand the benefits it will have towards their work. 

“It is important that the citizens of our communities have confidence in their Police Department.  These cameras are just one part of our continued commitment to maintain that confidence through transparency and accountability,” Interim Chief Brian Louie stated.