Adopt body cameras

The Issue

Police departments around the country are using on-body cameras with success to protect both civilians and police officers. The Lafayette Police Department should adopt this technology.

In the first year after the Rialto Police Department in California adopted the cameras in 2012, the number of complaints filed against officers fell by 88 percent compared with the last year. More importantly, the use of force by officers fell by almost 60 percent.

Join me in asking the Lafayette Police Department to adopt body cameras.

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Joe WagnerPetition Starter
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This petition had 257 supporters

The Issue

Police departments around the country are using on-body cameras with success to protect both civilians and police officers. The Lafayette Police Department should adopt this technology.

In the first year after the Rialto Police Department in California adopted the cameras in 2012, the number of complaints filed against officers fell by 88 percent compared with the last year. More importantly, the use of force by officers fell by almost 60 percent.

Join me in asking the Lafayette Police Department to adopt body cameras.

avatar of the starter
Joe WagnerPetition Starter
Media inquiries

The Decision Makers

Patrick J. Flannelly
Patrick J. Flannelly
Chief of Police, Lafayette Police Department
Responded
“Mr. Wagner, Thank you for offering your support for Body Worn Cameras. The Lafayette Police Department is currently researching this technology. While the Rialto Study is compelling, it is often misinterpreted and misquoted. We support the use of this technology because it holds everyone to the same standards as Police Officers. The assumption that the use of the camera changes the officers behaving is misleading because all people, police officers and citizens, behave differently when they know they are being recorded by video and will be accountable for their behavior. Our Police Officers undergo a rigorous screening process, which not only includes written and physical testing, but pre-employment polygraph examinations and extensive background and character investigations. If they can make through that process, they are then interviewed by a panel of civilians, known as a Merit Commission, that extends the offer of employment. So we don't put officers out on the street until they can meet our standards and the community standards as vetted by our civilian board. We are excited about the possibility of being able to showcase the professional police officers that work in our community everyday by sharing our interactions with the community members. I know our community will be proud of the work we do everyday when they get a chance to view first hand how we work in challenging times under difficult circumstances day in, and day out. The technology however, when done correctly, is not free. The cost to the taxpayers is being estimated at approximately $120,000 for the first year, and close to $100,000 in each additional year. We look forward to working with our community in generating the operational and fiscal support necessary so I hope to have your support when that time is appropriate. Thanks again for your support! Sincerely, Chief Patrick Flannelly Lafayette Police Department ”
Sheila Klinker
Sheila Klinker
Indiana House of Representatives - District 27
Ronnie Alting
Ronnie Alting
Indiana State Senate - District 22
Steven Porter
Steven Porter
Reporter, Lafayette Journal and Courier
Ron Wilkins
Ron Wilkins
Reporter, Lafayette Journal and Courier

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Petition created on September 10, 2014