WASHINGTON — The Prince William County Police Department will soon allow officers to wear body cameras as they interact with members of the public.
“Our plan is to deploy cameras for every uniformed officer, as well as a number of our investigative staff,” Police Chief Steve Hudson told the Board of County Supervisors earlier this month.
“Citizens are starting to demand this kind of transparency and accountability in their police departments,” he said.
A pilot program could begin as early as July, with the eventual goal of having 500 officers wear cameras.
Hudson says it will have a positive impact on the community.
“Part of that is continuing to build upon the relationships that we have, so that people understand that we truly are doing what we say we’re doing,”
Many communities around the country have launched police body camera programs. Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan publicly supported body cameras following the death of Freddie Gray who received fatal injuries while in police custody.
Prince William County supervisors approved the $3 million camera plan last week as part of a new budget.
