Tyler Police Equipped with Body Cameras
Posted/updated on: January 14, 2015 at 11:03 am
TYLER — On January 7, the Tyler Police Department completed distribution and training regarding all 135 recently-approved body cameras for the uniform officers within the department. According to a news release, officers have also been instructed on the policy concerning the proper use of the cameras. In November of 2014, the Tyler City Council approved the purchase of the devices to capture police and citizen interactions in full-sound and color videos. Taser International was awarded the bid for 135 body camera systems at a cost of $54,457.52.
Featuring superior evidence gathering capabilities, this field-tested system will serve as an enhancement to the existing COBAN In-Car Video systems, said Police Chief Gary Swindle. As it is worn on the officers body, this system allows a more efficient capture of traffic stops and officer contact with the public. Complaints decreased by 80 percent when we started using the dashboard cameras, and we believe these body cameras will decrease the number of complaints substantially. The city of Tyler began testing body cameras on its bicycle officers in 2009 because they did not have access to the same in-car dash cameras as the other patrol officers.
