SCPD closer to getting body cameras
The Santa Cruz Police Department is closer to equipping officers with body cameras.
On Tuesday, the city council voted unanimously to support the department as it works on a proposal.
The department wanted the cameras earlier this year, but the city didn’t have money. Officers spent the time researching instead.
“We’ve met with six vendors who deliver body camera systems to law enforcement agencies,” Santa Cruz Police Chief Kevin Vogel said.
With the council’s approval, the department will begin narrowing down their options.
“Initially, we will have to do a testing phase with the cameras. We will probably select 10 or 15 of our officers to test the cameras,” Vogel said.
But it’s not just about the hardware. The department also has to come up with guidelines and procedures for using the cameras.
“There is also bargaining unit discussions that have to happen. This changes the working conditions in which the officers work under, and because of their contract with the city, there will have to be a negotiation process that occurs with the city before we can put this into play,” Vogel said.
The gear costs $225,000 to start, according to Vogel, then $100,000 in data storage and IT costs.
Some residents say that’s too much for the potential benefit.
“We don’t have that high of a crime rate here. I rather that they didn’t use them in Santa Cruz,” Christopher Taylor said. “Just to save money. I don’t like paying the high taxes any more than anybody else.”
But others say, whatever the cost, transparency is worth it.
“They shouldn’t have anything to hide, and I think that in light of other behavioral patterns from police around the country, that it’s appropriate,” Alissa Baigent said.
“I think it’s actually beneficial for both sides because you can have the view it would sort of keep the police honest, but it also keep the people that they are interacting with honest,” Jacob Moniz said.
Capitola Police Department and the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office already use body cams.
Santa Cruz Police Department is in contact with those agencies before making a proposal to the council next year.
