The King County Sheriff’s Office is one step closer to implementing body cameras for all on-duty officers.
Campiche represented the family of Tommy Le, a man shot and killed by King County sheriff’s deputies in 2017. It took nearly four years before the department was ordered to pay the family $5 million. During that time officers redacted parts of their testimony about the shooting. The Le family believes body cameras could have spared them some of the pain and anguish. Campiche recalls a public forum where the family confronted law enforcement officers.
“The sister stood up and asked the sheriff, ‘Why aren’t there body cameras?’ And he said, ‘Well, we’ve asked for him, there isn’t money for him.’ And she said, ‘The truth would be easier to see,’” said Campiche. Cole-Tindall says it’s more than just budget that has created a years-long hurdle. She says collective bargaining has and will continue to play a role, as cameras would need to be negotiated with the labor union. But she’s optimistic following a 90-day pilot program earlier this year, in which 10 officers trialed body cameras.Police body cameras have been around since 2005. Campiche says the department should view them as an important asset for transparency and accountability.
“The policeman can defend against a false claim that they did something wrong. And the public can prove when the officer did do something wrong,” said Campiche. “It’s a win-win situation.” Cole-Tindall says she expects body cameras in the future for her department but doesn’t have a timeline. She says that when they are added to patrols, they’ll be introduced one precinct at a time, not all at once.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
King County deputy injured in head-on collision with suspected DUI driverA King County Sheriff’s Office deputy was injured in a head-on crash in Snohomish County, which involved another driver who is suspected of driving under the influence, Washington State Patrol trooper Jacob Kennett said on Wednesday night.
Read more »
Video: Alleged stalker verbally harasses Rep. Pramila JayapalExclusive video captures the alleged stalking of U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal at the hands of a King County man, Brett Forsell, who has since been charged with a felony over his harassment of the representative.
Read more »
The King Of Pop as The Sandman?Neil Gaiman's adaptation of The Sandman could have looked very different
Read more »
Cornyn: Governing like a king, Biden hurting AmericansBiden’s overzealous use of executive authority is not the system our founders...
Read more »