In 2024, the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) fully implemented its Body-Worn Camera (BWC) program, marking a significant step in enhancing transparency and accountability in policing. After multiple delays due to funding challenges, the program was finalized as part of the Department of Justice Settlement Agreement. PPB now joins many other regional law enforcement agencies utilizing this critical technology.
Who Wears Body-Worn Cameras?
The BWC policy requires all on-duty sworn members in uniform assignments, including those involved in:
- Special Emergency Response Team (SERT)
- Patrol
- Traffic
- Public order event operations
- Secondary employment for special duty work
Additionally, non-uniform personnel must wear BWCs when engaging in police actions, excluding detective interviews.
Purpose and Benefits of Body-Worn Cameras
BWCs are designed to:
- Strengthen community trust and relationships
- Improve transparency and accountability in law enforcement
- Promote officer safety while protecting the rights and privacy of community members
- Enhance complaint resolution processes and investigative quality
- Provide valuable training insights and materials
These cameras are a key element in ensuring fair and transparent adjudication in criminal and civil matters. They also foster a better understanding of critical public events for all stakeholders involved.
Policy and Legal Guidelines
PPB’s BWC policy, approved by the City Council in April 2023, outlines clear usage protocols for officers. Recordings must begin when an officer establishes reasonable suspicion or probable cause during an interaction. Oregon state law (ORS 133.741 and others) mandates a minimum retention period of 180 days for recordings. Additionally, all faces (including those of officers) must be blurred before the footage can be released to the public. Officers are required to announce the recording at the start of an interaction, provided it doesn’t jeopardize safety or the integrity of an investigation.
Community Feedback and Support
Community support for BWCs has remained strong. A 2015 nationwide survey found that 88% of Americans supported the use of BWCs in policing. Locally, there has also been significant backing, with funding for the system secured in FY16/17. Today, PPB joins other agencies like the Gresham Police, Beaverton Police, and Oregon State Police in employing body-worn camera technology.
Program Background and History
PPB began exploring the use of body-worn cameras in 2014. Community forums were held in 2015 to gather input, and the project was funded in FY16/17. However, due to various delays, the program was put on hold. To refine their approach, PPB staff visited other jurisdictions, such as those in Arizona and California, in 2018 to learn from their experiences. These lessons helped shape PPB's strategy and avoid common pitfalls associated with early implementations of BWCs.
A pilot program was conducted in 2023, during which PPB evaluated multiple vendors. Axon was ultimately selected as the BWC vendor after testing its equipment. The pilot captured over 35,000 pieces of evidence, providing key insights for full implementation in 2024.
Additional Resources and Documents
For more detailed information on the BWC implementation process: