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2015-2016 San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury 8 <br />Reasons for County Law Enforcement Not Implementing Body-Worn Cameras <br />Even law enforcement leaders in San Mateo County whose agencies have not adopted body- <br />worn cameras agree that body-worn cameras will likely be beneficial.21 A representative from <br />one local law enforcement agency commented, “Not only are they [body-worn cameras] <br />expected, it's almost required by our citizens.”22 <br />They also concede it is highly probable that body-worn cameras will be adopted either <br />voluntarily or by statute. These agencies that have not implemented body-worn cameras, <br />however, have cited similar reasons for waiting. These reasons include: <br />• Cost of system hardware <br />• Cost of data storage <br />• Development of standard use policies <br />• Limited case law affecting policies regarding the use of body-worn cameras such as data <br />retention time and privacy and civil rights concerns among other issues <br />• Concern that technology developments will render existing equipment obsolete within a <br />few years <br />• Concern that state or federal law may dictate use of body-worn cameras with specific <br />features or technology <br />Each of the five law enforcement agencies in San Mateo County currently using body-worn <br />cameras has addressed these six issues. While the Grand Jury acknowledges that there are <br />several concerns raised by those agencies that have not yet adopted body-worn cameras, the <br />critical question is whether these concerns are sufficient to delay implementing a body-worn <br />camera system. <br />Cost and Technology of Body-Worn Camera Systems <br />Five San Mateo County law enforcement agencies have deployed three different manufacturer's <br />systems with varying features including mounting options. A commercially available off-the- <br />shelf system used by one department is by far the most economical. The specified functionality <br />of this camera system indicates it offers an exceptional value when compared to other brands <br />and models. <br /> <br />21 Officials from local law enforcement agencies: interviews by the Grand Jury. <br />22 Local city police chief: interview by the Grand Jury. <br />6.1.J. - Page 13