Ginther Calls For Plan To Deploy Police Body Cameras In 2016
Council President Andrew J.
Ginther today called for a comprehensive body camera program in the city of
Columbus. Ginther outlined a plan to begin issuing cameras to Columbus Police
Officers in 2016.
“Now is the time to
move forward with body cameras to protect our officers and the community they
serve,” said Ginther. “I will work with the community and police to chart this path
forward.”
The Columbus Division of Police
has tested body cameras to better understand the policies needed to implement
this emerging best practice. Earlier this year, Mayor Michael B. Coleman
announced the formation of a committee – including community members and law
enforcement – to evaluate their use and identify solutions to overcome barriers
to implementation.
“Body cameras will promote officer and resident safety by documenting
interactions and providing an impartial, factual record of interactions with
the public,” said Ginther.
Ginther has called for a report by
year-end which would outline proposed rules and regulations necessary to begin
deploying body cameras in 2016. The report will be developed in consultation
with the chief of police and public safety director. The report would also:
- Scope all implementation costs and clearly
outline the necessary technology, human and financial resources required to
develop an effective body camera program;
- Identify state and federal grants to mitigate
the costs associated with deployment;
- Assess state law changes necessary to effectively
deploy body cameras citywide;
- Provide an implementation plan that reflects
current state laws, but which anticipates change and positions Columbus to
enhance the program as laws governing use evolve;
- Reflects best practices and applies lessons learned
from other jurisdictions;
- Includes the input of community advocates,
faith-based, civic and police leadership.
Ginther has the support of Mayor
Coleman and expects the administration to offer next steps toward implementing
a body camera program in the coming days. He expects the City to have the first
body cameras in use by the end of 2016.
“I am proud to have worked with Mayor Coleman to make Columbus one of
the safest big cities in America,” said Ginther. “I look forward to enhancing
public safety and strengthening Columbus neighborhoods with this new law
enforcement tool.”
Ginther’s body camera plan was
praised by members of the local faith community.
"This is a win-win for
the community and the Police Department,” said Dr. Charles E. Booth, Pastor of
the Mt. Olivet Baptist Church. “May this action give impetus to other urban
centers to do the same."
“With everything that has been going on across
the country, once again Columbus has set the standard for police and
communities to work together,” said Rev.
Tyrone Lawes, President of the Baptist Ministerial Alliance. “It truly represents an effort for
safer communities to live, work and raise a family."
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