On Thursday, May 25, The Alexandria Police Department (APD) held a press conference to highlight the progress of its recently launched Body-Worn Camera Program. The program, which started in April, is new for the department and features some of the newest technology on the market to aid in its mission to provide transparent community policing.
"We are excited to implement body cameras as part of our standard operating procedures," said Chief Don Hayes, Chief of the Alexandria Police Department. "This is a significant step forward for our department in building trust with our community and ensuring the community understands this department has the highest level of professionalism and accountability among our officers."
The program was made possible by City Council approval and due to a $600,000 grant in federal funding secured through the direct support of Rep. Don Beyer- a staunch advocate for public accountability and innovative solutions to community safety.
Since the April 17th launch of the program, officers have uploaded more than 1,700 body-worn camera videos for more than 500 hours of footage. In total, they have uploaded approximately 3,000 pieces of digital evidence to include audio files, photographs, and other digital evidence.
Community members are encouraged to view APD’s Body-worn Camera Program policy online. There they can view the policy and learn more information on how to obtain video footage through the Virginia Freedom of Information Act or the legal process of discovery.
In addition to APD and community speakers, the department’s body-worn camera technology provider, Axon, hosted a “road show” featuring new gadgets and tools to aid law enforcement and first responders in their duties.
For inquiries from the news media only, contact the Office of Communications & Public Information at newsroom@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3969.
If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you, please call 703.746.3961 or email genevieve.babecki@alexandriava.gov.
This news release is available at alexandriava.gov/go/4648
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