Are there any departments using body cameras for there officers. If so let me know wayne.demoga@moultriega.com

Sir, 

We are issued body cameras but we are also POST certified. If you have any questions about the cameras, I'll be happy to help.

Captain Tom Chamberlain

912-658-6537

Tom, thank you for your response. I have been post certified in the past but have not been an officer in a long time.

We are currently trying to figure out how to place cameras on our housing inspectors who have never been certified with POST.

As I understand this there are some legal things we have to work through and my Director is trying to figure out how to do this.

 

 

Again Thank You for your response and if there is anything you can think of

let me know

Wayne,

This is one issue that needs to be brought to the forefront of our organization. The safety of our officers/inspectors decreases daily. Yes, non-Post inspectors must follow guidelines for wearing body cams. One if I'm not mistaken is that the camera must be visible and if someone asks not to be recorded, the inspector must turn it off.  @Kirk Palmer is our Sgt. at Arms, please reach out to him. This is an excellent opportunity and subject to increase our chances at the State level to gain better legislation which better protects the code enforcement profession. 

Angel Gray 

On 5/13/2021 at 9:09 AM, Wayne Demoga said:

Are there any departments using body cameras for there officers. If so let me know wayne.demoga@moultriega.com

Hear is what I wish for:  that GACE on some fancy letter head and envelope, would mail to our bosses, a safety list for code officers.  The kind of body worn camera that cops wear are around $1,000, worth the money.  That camera can save your job and catch the liar in the act.  Also, it will be eye opening to the higher ups, as to some of the tuff stuff we have to deal with.

So here is my wish list:  ASAP, (billy stick), and police type pepper spray = both you might have to take a trip to a police academy for training, 3 hrs. tops.  Shin/snake guards for waking in woods or tall grass. bullet / knife vest, first aid class at on line - ProFirstAid.com (I have taken it, it is proved through POST for police officers, cheap, covers a lot), company cell phones and 2 way radio.  A lesson on 'slice the pie'.  Seldom is there news about code getting killed or hurt.  You can find a few on line and the book out called Code Enforcement Survival has several listed.  Having said that, GACE could also list ALLLLllll, they can find of mishaps to code officers and put it to print as well.

Personally, I think somebody needs to know where you are at all the time.  Just saying.  I would suggest that even if your department does not approve the cost, that you have them agree, that you, yourself pay for these things, with the exception of company phone and two way radio.  Camera and spray is a must.  PS. I had to buy my own camera.  Well worth the cost.  Those cheap one - NOT!

Thanks, Deno,

I will be in touch.

Personally, in my area at least, I don not see any point in having a body camera or pepper spray on your person. While training does give you the necessary knowledge to use it, you are still opening yourself up to more hate and resistance. We are part of law enforcement but at the same time we are not the police; and having stab vest, body cameras, pepper spray, ASP batons, or any other equipment very widely and famously known for police use just pushes a narrative to the public that is very sensitive in this day and age. Self defense classes should be considered, whether by your own accord or your agency. I've worked the jail in my county and have lived here my whole life. It isn't a big county and is an even smaller city so this could lead to my current opinion against the things listed above. I carry a radio on me and if the person I'm going to speak to about a violation gets to be a concern to my personal safety, I radio in for an officer to come and just stand by until the conversation is had and a remedy is discussed. Not everyone hired into this position has the mind set or reaction time to properly use any police equipment AND follow the color of the law, even with training. There is so much more to know and learn and watch for when you have this equipment at hand. These days, you could very possibly legally be defending yourself and still end up violating a law that most aren't aware even exists. More training goes into giving us this equipment than most could fathom until it's time to conduct the training. I believe the best approach is to come with respect and to have top tier people skills. Dangers are everywhere, on and off the job. This is just my opinion and I have little experience under this job title, so this may just be an opinion to most. All criticism is welcomed and questions as well!  

 

Thanks for your time! 

BWCs are a great asset to our department and I have had many instances that footage has resolved conflict. It gives our officers a sense of security. It also gives a GPS location for the officers so I know where they are if they need help. We still have to rely of excellent people skills, but the camera is an added plus for our department.