To ease tensions over officer misconduct, LAPD orders 3,000 Tasers that trigger body cams with each shot

Last year, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced that, in an effort to curb some of the growing tension surrounding officer misconduct, the city would be providing its police department with 7,000 body cameras.

For those unfamiliar, there are several different types of cameras, including video-based recording devices, infrared thermal imaging recorders, those that attach to helmets, those that attach to shoulders, and more. 

In terms of effectiveness, one study found that the employment of this technology resulted in a 50% reduction in the total number of incidents of use-of-force compared to control-conditions; it also saw a dramatic reduction in complaints against officers.
http://www.policefoundation.org/content/body-worn-cameras-police-use-force
 

Still, though, the public would like further assurances that these body cameras are actually turned on during confrontations that occur between officers and those judged as breaking the law. To meet this demand, the LAPD has ordered 3,000 Tasers that activate the officer’s body camera as soon as the safety is flicked off. An initial order will refresh 2,270 of the department’s older stun guns; a second order will bring in an additional 860. 

“The Los Angeles Police Department is committed to implementing safety measures to reduce the risk of injuries to both our officers and the members of our community, while improving trust within our communities,” Police Chief Charlie Beck said in a statement. “In addition to these new Taser deployments, we plan to issue a body-worn camera and a Taser device to every officer. It is our goal to make these important tools available to every front line officer over the next few years.”

The Taser X26P, the device the department is ordering, was first introduced as a “smart weapon” two years ago. 

It works in conjunction with Taser’s AXON body cameras via Bluetooth technology so that, in theory, every time a Taser is used, a video is being recorded, along with the date and time of the incident as well as the duration of shock administered. 

The system will also record whether or not the Taser’s wires actually strike the suspect(s).

The goal of introducing weapons like the Taser X26P is to provide both the public and nation’s police departments with greater transparency and accountability, especially when it comes to evidence in court.

Via Reuters