*We think this is an idea whose time has definitely come. Within the Pasadena, California Police Department, the gears of innovation are turning as they entertain the idea of acquiring cutting-edge equipment that would revolutionize their approach to oversight. The concept revolves around a system that springs into action, automatically activating nearby police body cameras whenever an officer draws their handgun from its holster.
With over 230 sworn and armed officers in its ranks, such a move could herald a new era of accountability for the department. Should city officials give the green light, Pasadena would join a select few California police departments embracing this advanced technology.
The proposed investment, tagged at $4.5 million, is slated for discussion at the Pasadena City Council’s upcoming April 29 assembly, according to an LA Times report.
In the current landscape, body-worn cameras are already commonplace among police departments nationwide. However, their activation typically relies on manual input from officers during critical moments, guided by department policies.
In contrast, the envisioned system in Pasadena would usher in a new era of automation. Sensors integrated into firearms and holsters would trigger nearby body cameras when a firearm is drawn, spanning a radius of 20 feet. This seamless activation aims to capture crucial moments without relying on manual input.
While recordings from police body cameras have often stirred debate, shedding light on contentious police-involved incidents, they’ve also served as a testament to lawful police conduct in certain cases, according to law enforcement experts.
Having already conducted a successful three-month pilot test involving 12 officers, Karen Peterson, executive administrator for the Police Department, shared positive feedback during a recent Police Oversight Commission meeting. Officers involved in the trial reportedly found the equipment seamlessly integrated into their gear, barely noticing its presence.
“It’s a better way of communicating with what is happening on the scene,” Peterson said.
The potential purchase is part of a broader five-year contract under consideration with Axon Enterprise, a leading provider of law enforcement technology. Alongside the proposed holster equipment, the contract aims to upgrade existing body cameras, enhancing image quality, expanding the field of view, and enabling real-time streaming capabilities for enhanced situational awareness.
With 306 out of 316 body cameras already deployed, the new equipment, branded as Axon Signal Sidearm, is earmarked for 235 officers. Similar systems are already operational in several California cities, including Huntington Beach, Anaheim, and Glendale, with Sacramento adopting the technology back in 2022.
According to Lisa Derderian, city spokesperson, the comprehensive contract is estimated at $4.5 million, encompassing not only hardware upgrades but also a sophisticated software suite providing detailed analytics across various law enforcement tools and activities.
Before the City Council’s verdict, the Pasadena Police Department plans to furnish the city’s Public Safety Committee with a comprehensive report, outlining the potential impact and benefits of this transformative initiative.
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