The body-worn camera program is being implemented next month, following a comprehensive review and trial period
OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will be deploying body-worn cameras to all 152 commissioned law enforcement officers beginning in September. The program aims to boost accountability, transparency, and safety in natural resource law enforcement.
The body-worn camera program is being implemented next month, following a comprehensive review and trial period, during which feedback from officers and stakeholders was incorporated to ensure that the technology meets the needs of the agency and the community.
“This program advances our commitment to our core values and our mission to protect our natural resources and the public we serve,” said WDFW Police Chief Steve Bear. “Deploying body-worn cameras to our officers will help us build trust and relationships with all communities in Washington.”
The goals of the program are to:
- Enhance accountability: Provide a clear, impartial record of interactions and incidents.
- Increase transparency: Improve communication with the public and support open oversight.
- Improve safety: Act as a deterrent to misconduct and promote safer interactions.
- Support training: Offer valuable resources for refining techniques and practices.
The Washington State Legislature allocated funding for this program in the 2023-2025 supplemental operating budget, allocating $915,000 for WDFW to equip officers with body-worn cameras to advance public safety. This allocation was one of many identified to support local law enforcement agencies statewide.
WDFW Police works to protect the public’s safety and to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.
Also read:
- Opinion: ‘Stay close, stay informed, stay the course’
Anna Miller calls on residents to join Clark County Republican Women’s dinner, urging perseverance and unity as local government faces turbulent times. - Overnight closure planned on westbound SR 14 Camas Slough Bridge Tuesday
WSDOT crews will close westbound SR 14 at Exit 14 in Camas to collect bridge deck samples and plan future repairs; detours will be in effect. - OII completes investigation of Clark County Sheriff’s Office use of deadly force
Marc Fogle died after a fatal struggle with Deputy Bryson Layton following a DUI crash; prosecutors will decide on charges after review of OII’s findings. - Video: Can accelerated home construction replace need for WA income tax?
A new report suggests boosting housing production by 20,000 units yearly could bring in over $600 million in revenue, offsetting a portion of proposed income tax revenue. - WA Gov. Ferguson to meet with NBA commissioner as hopes rise for Sonics’ return
The meeting this week comes before a vote that could clear the way for the league’s expansion to Seattle Jake Goldstein-StreetWashington State Standard Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson on Thursday previewed an upcoming meeting with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver ahead of a planned vote on league expansion that could bring men’s professional basketball back to Seattle. … - Opinion: Will the income tax cause a drop in charitable giving?
High-income households leaving Washington after new tax may redirect donations, possibly shrinking local nonprofits’ funding despite the intended deduction benefit. - Spring car care tips to get your vehicle road-trip ready
April is Car Care Month, a timely reminder for drivers to check their tires, batteries, wipers, and air filters before spring and summer travel begins.
