The Warwick Police Department is participating in a body worn camera pilot program.

Sixteen patrol officers started wearing Axon body cameras during their patrols. These officers represent each of the three patrol shifts which will allow the department to have body worn cameras on the road 24 hours per day.

This pilot program is expected to last for approximately two months and will then be expanded to all front line patrol officers and field supervisors as The Warwick Police Department begins participating in the Statewide Body-Worn Camera Program.

In accordance with the Rhode Island Police Chiefs’ Association Twenty for 2020 campaign, the department has explored the establishment of a body worn camera program and conducted extensive research into the logistics and funding of such a program. Along with other Rhode Island police agencies, “we are committed to the program; believing that is an important step towards building police and community relationships and improving accountability within the communities that we serve,” reads a department release.

A Body Warn Camera Policy has been implemented during the pilot program to provide guidance to officers and to ensure compliance with the law. This policy may be found on the department website. A Body Warn Camera recording is subject to the Rhode Island Access to Public Records Act (“APRA”), R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 38-2, and all requests for public access to a BWC Recording shall be handled in accordance with that law.

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha and Colonel Darnell S. Weaver, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police and Director of Public Safety, recently announced the start of the formal notice and comment period for the draft regulation to establish a statewide policy for the use and operation of police body-worn cameras.

“Last summer, Rhode Island enacted a statewide program that aims to equip every frontline police officer and supervisor with body-worn cameras,” according to a press release from Neronha’s office. “As part of the program, the Attorney General and Director of the Department of Public Safety, in consultation with the Rhode Island Police Chiefs’ Association (RIPCA), were tasked with promulgating rules and regulations to create a statewide policy for the use and operation of body-worn cameras that participating departments will be required to adopt.”

The state’s top law enforcement officials have been reviewing “extensive stakeholder input and engagement” over the past year.

“Obtaining public input from a wide range of stakeholders during the advanced notice of proposed rulemaking period has helped us ensure that this statewide policy reflects best practices, and is responsive to the needs and expectations of our communities,” Neronha said. “This policy ensures important interactions between law enforcement and members of the public are documented, advances the protection of important constitutional rights including privacy, and ensures transparency and accountability for critical use of force incidents. I am grateful to our partners and to all who have participated throughout this process, and I encourage the public’s continued participation during this notice and comment period. I am looking forward to bringing this process to a conclusion and getting cameras on Rhode Island’s frontline officers.”

The statewide policies address when an officer should activate or deactivate a camera, retention and access to body-worn camera footage, and specific protocols for use of force incidents, among other issues.

“The widespread use of body-worn cameras by members of law enforcement will be a critical tool in providing the accountability and transparency that both the police and the public desire,” Col. Weaver said. “Our team has worked closely with key stakeholders to develop appropriate policies to govern the use of the cameras and the footage the cameras will generate. We hope that members of the public will engage in the process and share their input so that the program can (move) forward expeditiously.” 

Police Chiefs throughout the state have shown support for the program.

“The Rhode Island Police Chiefs’ Association is a strong supporter and advocate for the use of body-worn cameras,” said Sean Corrigan, RIPCA President and Narragansett Police Chief. “We recognize the immense value they provide in accountability, transparency and professionalism as they work to increase police training opportunities, expedite the truthful resolution of police misconduct complaints, and promote public trust. One of the key components of our Twenty for 2020 campaign was a pledge for every department in the state to research the feasibility and oversee the implementation of body-worn cameras. We are grateful to every stakeholder involved in the process of developing this new statewide policy, and look forward to taking this important step forward.”