WASHINGTON — People who encounter police in the city of Manassas may soon be recorded. The Manassas City Police Department says it will soon equip all its officers with body-worn cameras.
Prince William County police began wearing body cameras in September.
The city of Manassas said its summer test program involving six officers wearing cameras was successful, so the department is moving toward full implementation.
Patrol officers and members of the investigative services will be issued cameras in the coming months.
Police Chief Douglas Keen said in a news release issued by the city that the body-worn cameras will improve the relationship between the police and the public.
“The body-worn camera program will also protect our staff against false allegations and assist with prosecutions,” Keen said.
The department’s newly-written policy states that officers are to activate the cameras when their use is appropriate — when there is reasonable suspicion that a person is involved in criminal activity or violating the law.
Police departments throughout the area, including D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department and police in Arlington and Montgomery counties, said they expect body-worn cameras will boost public trust while promoting transparency of police operations.
