Police body-worn cameras have been shown to provide several benefits

The Battle Ground Police Department announced that starting Mon., Oct. 7, all commissioned officers will begin using body-worn cameras during the performance of their duties. 

Police body-worn cameras have been shown to provide several benefits including:

• Enhancing transparency
• Improve accountability
• Increase public confidence in policing
• Strengthen case investigations by providing additional evidentiary value
• Enhancing the safety of, and improve interactions between, officers and the community they serve.

The purchase of the new cameras was approved by the Battle Ground City Council on May 6, 2024, through a combination of city funds and approximately $67,000 provided by the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) Body-Worn Camera Grant Program.  Since that time the police department has developed a policy and has undergone training in preparation of the cameras’ deployment.  

“I am incredibly grateful to our City Council and our city Leadership team for their support to bring body worn cameras to Battle Ground,’ said Chief Dennis Flynn.  “We are confident that this new tool will assist with fostering a deeper level of trust between our officers and the community we serve.”

Information provided by the city of Battle Ground.