The Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ of Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ at Lafayette Police Department has provided body cameras to all of its commissioned officers.
The video cameras are worn during routine patrols, special assignments and K-9 operations.
They will aid in investigations by:
• capturing video of incidents in real time;
• helping with evidence collection;
• preserving information at crime scenes;
• improving the ability to identify suspects; and
• assuring the accuracy of statements.
Video taken by the body cameras will be an additional resource for prosecutors to use during court proceedings.
Sgt. Billy Abrams, Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ Police public information officer, said the body cameras have another important function: “They protect the integrity of an officer’s interaction with the public.â€
Officers have been using the devices since the beginning of April.
The body cameras, which are a little smaller than the average smartphone, are attached to the front of officers’ uniforms.
Abrams said Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ Police officers' response to the new equipment has been overwhelmingly positive.
UL Lafayette funded the new equipment. The department has had in-car cameras since 2005.
Caption: Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ Police Sgt. Billy Abrams adjusts a new body camera.