The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office will begin deploying body cameras to some of its deputies.
Captain Jeff Newnum said YCSO has spent the last year researching and meeting with other law enforcement agencies that use the technology. They’ve also done some preliminary testing with body cameras.
"And what we have found through our own studies, as well as studies with the Department of Justice, is that when public knows they are being recorded, they act differently there’s a better relationship and better interaction between the public and officer on both sides," he said. "That’s a huge plus to us."
Newnum said the agency is drafting a set of policies and procedures before it deploys around 20 cameras in the next five to six weeks. There’s also another potential benefit YCSO hopes to see once their deputies are armed with body cameras.
"We’ve noticed in the jurisdictions that have deployed these the prosecution of the cases are going up because there’s better evidence," said Newnum. "The amount of time it takes in court goes down because defendants are pleading to the lesser charge that’s offered to them quicker because of the testimonial and documentary evidence."
