Phoenix Police to experiment with video cameras on uniform

PHOENIX — Starting Monday, about 50 officers from the Maryvale Precinct of the Phoenix Police Department will begin wearing video cameras the size of a large pack of gum on their uniforms.

The Phoenix Police Department, in partnership with the Arizona State University College of Public Programs, secured a federal grant to purchase the camera systems from the VIEVU Company.

“The intent of the program is to determine what impact it will have on law enforcement,” said Phoenix Police Sergeant Tommy Thompson.

According to the Phoenix PD,”The project will allow the Department and ASU to jointly examine the impact of this technology on crime, public and police accountability, as well as perceptions of legitimacy, trust and satisfaction with the police. Specifically, the program will attempt to determine if on-officer video cameras enhance officers’ ability to conduct domestic violence and other criminal investigations. It will also seek to determine if on-officer cameras have a measurable impact on both officer and citizen behavior. Various survey instruments will be utilized during the course of the program to evaluate the impact of the technology with regard to citizens’ attitudes and perceptions.”