Weaver, Amber
From: Jacob Patterson < [email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 26, 2025 12:24 PM
To: City Clerk
Cc: Whippy, Isaac; Cervenka, Neil
Subject: Public Comment -- 1/27/25 CC Mtg., Item No. 8E, PD Vehicle Cameras City Council, Manager & Chief,
I want to fully endorse Neil's recommendation for the Council to approve the PD implementing the use of PD vehicle cameras and to tund at least this first year with asset forteiture funds. We have been implementing various equipment and technology improvements through the City and PD and this is another important tool to ensure the safety of our officers as well as members of the community. Just like body-worn cameras, vehicle cameras help clear=up any situations or legal disputes that may arise so this will also reduce the chances of city liability. Moreover, some portions of our community have frequent and sometimes unfounded complaints about alleged officer misconduct.
These cameras will increase transparency and public confidence because, in such situations, we won't just have to rely on the recollections of those involved but it will be right there on ideo. This is particularly the case for traffic stops, which have generated a lot of community complaints and allegations. In my opinion, having such encounters on video will go a great way toward dispelling rumors or allegations of misconduct and demonstrate the integrity of our officers. On the other hand, it will also provide a strong deterrent for the rare situations where an officer might not be following protocol or might be tempted to act in a manner that is against department policy. In short, it improves safety, public confidence, and trust in government, all of which are worth the relatively minor expense of this additional technology.
Speaking of policy, since these cameras are activated automatically when the emergency lights are on, it should capture all traffic encounters. In other situations, the cameras require manual activation so we should consider a department policy requiring the manual activation of vehicle cameras for all other PD interactions with members of the public that do not involve the use of the vehicle's emergency lights and sirens.
I thank Neil and Issac for their leadership in this matter and support the implementation of in-vehicle cameras.
Best regards,
-Jacob