AgdaPkt 2020-11-23 Joint SA PFA - Laserfiche WebLink

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6.D. - Page 18 of 179 Limitations Body -worn cameras are not a panacea for all disputed encounters between citizens and law enforcement. They occasionally malfunction, the batteries discharge, or the internal storage capacity limits recording an encounter. Chest -mounted camera views may be partially obscured by the standard two-handed pistol grip used by many police officers. Cameras can be dislodged in physical altercations or the attachment clip may slip, rendering the camera an audio device only. Video images may be confusing or inconclusive when the wearer is in a physical altercation or in pursuit of a suspect or when used in very low -light situations. The camera shows only what is within its viewing angle and does not turn with the officer's eyes unless mounted on an officer's hat, helmet, or glasses. It only captures two out of the five senses—sight and sound. For example, the smell of alcohol or gunpowder is not detected. Notwithstanding these limitations, the information provided to the Grand Jury confirms that body -worn cameras often provide far more evidence of an incident than an audio device and certainly more than no recording device at all. Conclusions Based on its investigation, the Grand Jury concludes that body -worn cameras would be advantageous for all San Mateo County law enforcement agencies as well as the individuals they encounter. Although some local law enforcement agencies have expressed various concerns regarding the utilization of such body -worn devices, five police departments within San Mateo County have implemented body -worn camera systems and their experience provides tangible evidence that: • Costs are containable. • Many hardware, software, and storage options are available to accommodate individual agency requirements. • Workable operational policies are readily available and easily modifiable to accommodate specific agency requirements. • Training needs are minimal. • Patrol staff rapidly accepted body -worn cameras. • The behavior of both residents and police officers improves when their actions are being recorded on video. As with all new technology, best practices are in the process of being developed as each of these five departments gains experience with its body -worn camera system. These departments can serve as role models for other police agencies as they implement their own camera systems, which many acknowledge as inevitable. Finally and most importantly, body -worn cameras clearly state to the public that its police force has nothing to hide, that their encounters with the public are transparent, and that these encounters are subject to internal and, when appropriate, external scrutiny. 2015-2016 San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury 14 57