Bainbridge police officers wearing video cameras
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, Wash. -- Four Bainbridge Island police officers are now wearing a video camera on their chest.
Commander Sue Shultz says the cameras document encounters with the public and provide evidence.
"I can look at a videotape and say, 'This is actually what happened,'" she said.
Last August, Seattle Police Officer Ian Birk shot and killed John T. Williams after Birk claimed Williams lunged at him with a knife. But at the inquest into Williams' death inquest even witnesses standing a few feet away admitted they couldn't see exactly what happened. Had Birk been wearing a camera at the time, there would presumably be fewer questions about the incident.
However, the Seattle Police Guild won't let officers to wear uniform cameras. The guild say the cameras would interfere with police work. It's pretty tough for an officer to get a suspect to talk while wearing a camera, the guild says.
But Schultz disagrees.
"They can turn it on or not turn it on," she said, "but they're strongly encouraged, and I can tell you the officers that wear them are really pleased."
And the company that makes these cameras says orders for other departments are flying off the shelf.
The cameras cost about $1,000 each. The money comes from funds paid by the Suquamish Tribe from the Clearwater Casino.
Seattle Police Guild could not be reached on Monday for comment. Ironically, the new police cameras were developed by a former Seattle police officer.
Commander Sue Shultz says the cameras document encounters with the public and provide evidence.
"I can look at a videotape and say, 'This is actually what happened,'" she said.
Last August, Seattle Police Officer Ian Birk shot and killed John T. Williams after Birk claimed Williams lunged at him with a knife. But at the inquest into Williams' death inquest even witnesses standing a few feet away admitted they couldn't see exactly what happened. Had Birk been wearing a camera at the time, there would presumably be fewer questions about the incident.
However, the Seattle Police Guild won't let officers to wear uniform cameras. The guild say the cameras would interfere with police work. It's pretty tough for an officer to get a suspect to talk while wearing a camera, the guild says.
But Schultz disagrees.
"They can turn it on or not turn it on," she said, "but they're strongly encouraged, and I can tell you the officers that wear them are really pleased."
And the company that makes these cameras says orders for other departments are flying off the shelf.
The cameras cost about $1,000 each. The money comes from funds paid by the Suquamish Tribe from the Clearwater Casino.
Seattle Police Guild could not be reached on Monday for comment. Ironically, the new police cameras were developed by a former Seattle police officer.
