DUPD implementing body cameras in 2015-16

As police forces across the country face questions about accountability, Duke University Police Department has taken the step of placing body cameras on its officers.

DUPD decided to pilot the program last spring after reviewing the technology for several years, then purchased the cameras this summer. As of this fall, all Duke police officers are equipped with body cameras visible on the center of their uniforms. Chief of Police John Dailey noted that the decision was not made in response to any specific event. Rather, the cameras fit into the department’s efforts to stay up-to-date with the precedent set by other police forces, explained Kyle Cavanaugh, vice president for administration.

“We’ve been fortunate that the Duke police department has had a history of trying to stay current with technology and constantly looking at best practices,” Cavanaugh said. “I think [body cameras are] increasingly being viewed as a best practice.”

DUPD’s decision to implement body cameras is the latest in a long line of police departments in other cities and college campuses that have made the same decision, including the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The use of the equipment has increased during the past year in the wake of a number of police brutality incidents that have sparked national outrage, most notably the August 2014 shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo.

The Durham Police Department has not yet implemented body cameras, though it has hosted public forums on the topic. DPD also tested the equipment in a 90-day trial period this year.

Last week, the Obama administration announced that $20 million in federal grants will be provided to 73 law enforcement agencies in the U.S. to purchase 21,000 body cameras.

Duke Police has tested and trained all officers on how to use body cameras effectively, Cavanaugh said. He added that although DUPD has only recently started using body cameras, the department has already been using dashboard cameras in police vehicles for nearly 10 years.

“If there is a complaint about our service, these cameras may provide helpful information,” Dailey said.

The decision, however, has raised some concerns within the student body.

“I think it’s a little strange that they have body cameras, and I think people should at least be informed,” said freshman Diana Zabala. “I don’t know if they’re necessary just because I don’t think there’s ever been an incident where there was something so serious...that a body camera was needed.”

Freshman Michelle Li said she believes police officers should inform people that they are wearing body cameras when stopping them.

“[The aim of the body cameras is to] ensure that [DUPD is] the best-equipped, best-trained, and best-deployed force that we can possibly put together,” Cavanaugh said.