As Columbus continues to evaluate body cameras for most of its 1,900 officers, it has sought advice from experts and comparable cities nationwide.
Just up and down the road, two central Ohio communities have been using the technology for about three years.
Sunbury and Lancaster have little violent crime. And neither has had an officer-involved shooting recently, like those that have made headlines elsewhere and spurred demands for use of body cameras. Still, officials in both communities are pleased with their cameras, viewing them as training tools and an extra layer of protection both for officers and the public.
Sunbury, in Delaware County, has eight cameras, enough to equip its three patrol shifts. And while there was some initial concern about adding more equipment to the uniform, “most of the officers love the cameras,” said Officer Craig Landis.
Having a “hidden” set of eyes when officers stop a vehicle or respond to a dispute has enabled them to counter accusations of rudeness or unprofessionalism.
“I think they’ve saved a lot of time and money as far as complaints,” said Landis, noting that a simple review of video can eliminate the need for an internal investigation of misconduct.
With the press of a button, officers activate the cameras when responding to service calls or traffic stops. The video automatically transfers to the vendor’s cloud storage at the end of a shift.
Three years ago, Taser provided the equipment at no cost to Sunbury. In exchange, the city spends about $8,000 annually for the storage. A chest-mounted storage device and eyeglass- or epaulet-attached camera might be replaced with updated equipment. Landis declined to provide details of the pending contract but said it should not exceed $100,000 annually.
In Lancaster, each of 48 cameras cost $400 but were given to the department free by a private organization. Storage and licensing fees cost the city about $12,000 annually, said Deputy Chief Adam Pillar.
Newer, high-definition cameras require more storage space and are being phased in gradually, he said.
Columbus, by comparison, expects to spend about $8.5 million in its first year.
Neither suburban department has had a controversial use of force that warranted punishment, officials have said. Instead, the cameras act as an invisible supervisor watching over interactions with the public.
“If everybody knows a camera is running, everybody behaves a little better,” said Pillar. “We’re telling our officers that this is your time to get your story out there.”
The cameras are a real-world training tool, said Sunbury Mayor and Safety Director Tommy Hatfield, who reviews video when there is a public complaint. Only once did he find that an officer could have done a better job.
“We use them as an opportunity to provide good feedback, catching people doing things right,” Hatfield said.
Prosecutors also may benefit.
“Whenever you can get additional evidence, it’s helpful,” said Carol O’Brien, Delaware County prosecutor.
“I think they can be very useful in certain situations,” she said. “We just have to have proper policies and procedures in place.”
Nationally, several states have passed laws requiring written policies governing use of cameras, including retention of video and privacy of those being recorded. House Bill 407, introduced in December, addresses Ohio’s issues and is currently in committee.
Police unions also are weighing in. In Cincinnati, the union has called for a pay differential for officers using the cameras because of added responsibilities and stress. Jason Pappas, president of Capital City Lodge No. 9, which represents Columbus and more than 20 suburban departments, has said more discussion is needed and new policies must be included in bargaining contracts.
Mike Weinman, director of the Ohio Fraternal Order of Police, wants lawmakers to allow officers to review video before making reports or statements.
Sunbury has no union. Lancaster’s union has been supportive.
Overall, Pillar said, “We’re a service organization. I think the public wants them and expects them. And I think it does legitimize your police department.”
