5 takeaways from Camden County's new body-camera policy

Public and officer feedback changed the policy during the drafting process.

CAMDEN -- The Camden County Police Department (CCPD) announced Wednesday that its policy on body-worn cameras had been finalized following a process of soliciting feedback from both the public and officers.

The effort, aided by the Policing Project from New York University's School of Law, is presently being put to the test by 70 officers, with plans to eventually deploy the cameras on every CCPD officer.

"This is the future of policing in America and this new tool will help to increase safety and accountability for both officers and the public," Camden County police Chief Scott Thomson said.

At an informal public forum held in March at The Salvation Army Kroc Center, current and former Camden City residents sounded off on the CCPD, accountability and the changing face of modern policing.

"In the 21st century body cameras will become key to ensuring the integrity of every police officer throughout the nation," Camden County Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli said.

The policy -- which officials say was changed during the drafting process due to public feedback -- is available online at camdencountypd.org/body-worn-cameras. Here are five takeaways from the overall plan.

1) The purpose: From protecting police officers from unfounded complaints to being used as evidence during criminal, motor vehicle and civil proceedings, what's captured by the cameras is intended to provide an accurate account of what really occurred. The recordings will also be used as training materials and by supervisors for performance evaluations.

2) The incidents: "The decision to electronically record an encounter is not discretionary," the policy reads, adding that officers should turn the cameras on "without unnecessary delay upon being dispatched."

Specifically, car stops, crime scenes, sudden deaths, shootings, interviewing a witness, searches, arrests and more must be recorded. Conversely, the cameras are to not be used during interactions with undercover officers, the chief of police, restrooms, locker rooms, schools, hospitals and when engaged in police union business.

An earful on what body cameras capture

3) The interactions: The policy provides for a number of options civilians may use when interacting with an officer equipped with a body-worn camera. For starters, officers must inform the public if they are being recorded unless its unsafe to do so. An officer must turn off the camera if asked to do so by a civilian, however they aren't allowed to suggest it on the grounds of mere preference.

4) The playback: Review is "strictly limited" to CCPD employees and may only be done with an "official purpose." Among the reasons for review are relevance to an investigation, show a civilian who intends to file a complaint what was captured, training purposes and to enhance "officer and public safety by providing intelligence information in preparation for a raid/warrant execution."

5) The changes: The CCPD made a number of changes during the drafting process based on feedback it received. Revisions noted in NYU's report on public comment include turning the camera on during all calls for service, narrowed when First Amendment-protected activities are recorded, having officers notify members of the public when the camera is on and clarified when possible complainants may view a recording.