Body cams protect both officers and citizens
Nearly every large police department in a new nationwide survey said it plans to move forward with body-worn cameras, with 95 percent either committed to body cameras or having completed their implementation. In the City of Newport News all of the patrol police officers have been utilizing body cameras since August of 2013, and their camera records the encounter. Officers wear cameras for a variety of reasons. Recordings can and are often used as evidence of a crime. Footage is also reviewed in all complaints against an officer, all officer-involved shootings, whenever a citizen or officer is injured, and all incidents involving police use of force as well as vehicle pursuits.
Just recently, the NNPD upgraded its body-worn cameras to the Axon Flex 2 and Axon Body 2 manufactured by Axon, formerly Taser International, the leader in body-worn cameras and equipment. “Officers around the country have placed their trust in the Axon Flex camera since we launched it in 2012," said company CEO and co-founder Rick Smith. "When it came time to innovate a new device, our guiding principle was a desire to continue improving the reliability and performance of this mission critical equipment.” Enhancements include a refined mounting system, hardened durability, and refined audio and video.
Law enforcement agencies across the country are rapidly adopting body-worn cameras for their officers and Newport News is dedicated to equipping its officers with the most advanced technology available to help keep the community safe and to help reduce crime.