Crime & Safety

Novato Police to Be Outfitted with Body Worn Cameras

City Council recently approved the purchase of 45 body worn cameras, that are about the size of a pager.

By Bay City News Service:

Novato police are joining the ranks of officers who will be wearing body cameras. 

The Novato City Council last week approved the purchase of 45 body worn cameras that will be deployed within the patrol division and the Novato Response Team., Lt. Jennifer Welch said. 

Officers in the traffic section have been wearing the cameras for the past several years.   Now, the cameras will be used department wide, the lieutenant said.

The high-resolution VIEVU cameras are about the size of a pager and record audio and video. They are being used by more than 3,000 law enforcement agencies in more than 15 countries. 

In 2013, Novato police were involved in 47 incidents where they were assaulted or suspects resisted arrest, Welch said. 

"The Novato Police Department’s use of body worn camera technology will provide value in enhancing officer safety, reduction of liability, assist with prosecution and case resolution, and further promote professionalism and accountability," she said.

A Marin County Grand Jury recently encouraged Marin County law enforcement agencies to purchase the body cameras, Welch said.


--Bay City News contributed to this report.



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