Local law enforcement agencies say it's probably just a matter of time before officers start wearing body cameras in northern Nevada. But implementing them comes with potential pitfalls and a high price tag. The Sparks Police Department has used in-car cameras for two years, and the chief of police says their patrol staff could have body cameras within another two years.
"When someone knows that they're being videotaped and it's being documented, people behave differently," Chief Brian Allen, Sparks Police Department said. "Normally for the positive."
Cameras can be mounted on an officers chest, collar or glasses. Allen says they've learned a lot from other cities that already have a pilot program in place.
"Up to 80 to 85 percent reduction in citizen complaints, reduction in use of force incidents, and you have that video evidence that supports, many times, the officer's recollection of the events," Allen said.
There's been a national trend to use body cameras in the wake of the Michael Brown and Eric Garner incidents. Many believe the tool will be useful for transparency and accountability.
"In northern Nevada, our law enforcement does an incredible job," Deputy Chief Mac Venzon, Reno Police Department said. "I don't have any issue with the public being able to see what our law enforcement officers do."
There are no guidelines in place for using body cameras, so our local police departments are proceeding with caution.
"If you launch into it without looking at all of the adverse effects to it, then you're doing a disservice to your community," Venzon said.
Officers say there is a fine line between privacy and public record. Especially when it comes to footage of juveniles or sexual assault victims, or what can be shown inside someone's home.
"It's not as simple as throwing a GoPro on an officer and calling it good," Allen said.
Start-up costs in Sparks would be more than $250,000; Reno's would be about $500,000. That is why both police departments are doing their research.
"We're all for evolving policing to the best of our ability and making sure the community sees the value of their police department," Venzon said.
The legislature will be looking at Senate Bill 111, this session. If passed, it would require officers in Washoe County and Clark County to use body cameras. The bill does not include funding. Storing the video data is another hurdle for the police departments.
