Police forward 200+ videos to attorneys during first year using body-worn cameras
The Montgomery Police Department has been using body-worn cameras since December 2021. After a year of use, Chief Nathan Hintz feels the cameras are a good addition to the agency. (File photo)
Montgomery Police officers began wearing bodyworn cameras (BWCs) one year ago.
Since then, MPD has sent approximately 200+ videos from approximately 45 cases to attorneys for review and charging, according to Montgomery Police Chief Nathan Hintz.
“BWC camera footage has been used in numerous cases since their deployment,” Hintz stated. “The BWCs have been working very well.”
The BWCs were approved by the city council in August 2021. After an initial investment of $28,871, which covered the hardware, the city’s annual financial impact is approximately $18,000 for licensing and data storage.
The MPD received the equipment in September 2021 and implemented the BWCs following a training session in December.
“I believe the BWCs have been a very good addition to our agency. The footage is used to collect evidence (both visual and audio), potentially show crimes as they occur, and show transparency should the video be requested to view,” Hintz stated. “The video data can range from something as simple as a...
To see more on this story pick up the December 29, 2022 print edition of the Montgomery Messenger.
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