Police Chief “Proudly” Reveals Police Have Been Testing Use of Body Cameras

The Pasadena Police Department has been testing 20 body cameras for the last six weeks to determine possible implementation for increased accountability for officers, Chief Phillip Sanchez announced to Council members Monday.

“My philosophy, frankly, is any time we can capture information like that, whether it’s a robust in-car video system, audio and video or a body cam, that it indemnifies the officer against false accusations of misconduct,” Sanchez said.

Loaned by a vendor, the test body cameras have been found to be beneficial thus far by the officers, he said.

Sanchez continued, “Of course there are costs associated with body cam system but I think it’s in our best interest as an organization, it best serves our constituency that we try to document every situation as best as we possibly can.”

Sanchez also noted that it is routine practice of the police officers to use audio recording. When the tapes are played as evidence against a complaint, he noted that often the concerns are withdrawn.

Sanchez “proudly” made the announcement following Councilmember John Kennedy’s inquiry about if Pasadena might follow the Los Angeles Police Department’s lead on implementing body cameras.

“I’d like to garner your thoughts as a police executive on the implementation of the same [body cams] in Pasadena,” Kennedy said at the Public Safety Committee meeting.

Los Angeles Police Department recently exceeded their goal on a fundraising campaign to purchase cameras for its officers. They have the funds to purchase 600 body cameras but are currently testing hardware from two companies.