OLYMPIA, Wash. — Beginning this September, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will equip all 152 of its commissioned law enforcement officers with new body-worn cameras.
This initiative, announced in a department press release, is designed to enhance accountability, transparency and safety in the enforcement of natural resource laws.
WDFW Police Chief Steve Bear emphasized the importance of the program, stating, “This program advances our commitment to our core values and our mission to protect our natural resources and the public we serve. Deploying body-worn cameras to our officers will help us build trust and relationships with all communities in Washington.”
The department outlined several key objectives for the program:
– Enhance Accountability: Body-worn cameras will provide a clear and impartial record of interactions and incidents involving officers.
– Increase Transparency: The cameras will improve communication with the public and support open oversight.
– Improve Safety: The presence of cameras is expected to act as a deterrent to misconduct and promote safer interactions between officers and the community.
– Support Training: The footage will serve as a valuable resource for refining techniques and practices within the department.
For more information on the body-worn camera program, please click here.
