Body Camera Rollout Underway For Anne Arundel Police

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — Body cameras are now a reality for the Anne Arundel County Police Department. As of Tuesday, 143 officers now wear a camera. This group will pilot the program and troubleshoot any errors.

Every officer will eventually get two Axon Body 3 cameras to ensure they always have one charged for their shift. Authorities expect to finish agency-wide training by the end of September.

All four county police precincts installed camera docking stations. These mounts will charge the equipment and upload its videos to the department's storage system.

Police also updated their patrol cars to include wireless controls for the cameras. Anytime an officer turns on their emergency lights, their body camera will automatically start recording.

"We look forward to the implementation of the program in the coming months, which will enhance the trust and relationship between our community and our officers," Chief Amal Awad said in a press release announcing the reform on Feb. 19. "Our program will also allow us to continue our commitment to transparency, and lead us to the highest level of accountability to the community we serve."

Police said they hope the cameras accomplish these goals:

• "Strengthen police accountability
• "Promote de-escalation
• "Enhance the ability to resolve officer-involved incidents and complaints
• "Improve transparency
• "Identify and correct internal agency issues
• "Strengthen officer performance and safety
• "Increase community safety"

The money for the cameras was included in this year's county budget. The department has worked with County Executive Steuart Pittman to answer questions from the community.

More information is available here.

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