LAPD issues 7,000 cameras to officers

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is to deploy body-worn video (BWV) cameras to all 7,000 frontline officers.

It will make the LAPD the largest police department in the US to have both cameras and Taser devices available for all frontline officers.

An additional 6,140 body cameras are being provided under a $28 million contract with Axon, a subsidiary of BWV and digital evidence management specialist Taser International.

Initial rollout is expected to start in the autumn.

“Our body camera programme is beneficial to our cops and the communities we serve,” said LAPD Chief of Police Charlie Beck.

“Providing body cameras to 7,000 LAPD officers will enable them to collect valuable digital evidence in criminal investigations while promoting accountability and further building public trust.

“Moving forward with a programme of this magnitude requires a solid commitment for success and we are pleased to have a responsive and collaborative partnership with Taser.

“Utilising its Axon [evidence management] platform, officers will be taking advantage of cutting-edge technology that will help us take on the challenges of 21st century policing.”

With 9,843 officers and 2,773 civilian staff, the LAPD is the third-largest non-federal law enforcement agency in the US.