Thanks to a $60,000 federal grant and the participation of a citizens advisory group, the Woodstock Police Department is now among the latest law enforcement agencies in Georgia to equip its officers with body-worn cameras.
The grant, from the Office of Justice Programs of the U.S. Department of Justice, fully funds the launch of Woodstock’s Body-Worn Camera program, city officials said. All officers assigned to patrol duties and 911 call response are outfitted with the devices, which capture audio and video data.
Officials reviewed 17 models of body-worn cameras over nearly 18 months and selected a product provided by Digital Ally FirstVu HD. The police department already uses the Digital Ally In-Car Video System with VuVault Software, so installing another video reader and archival system is not necessary, officials said.
The Body-Worn Camera Community Working Group, a panel of residents, businesses, youth, seniors, faith-based organizations and key government and service agencies, has been working with police on implementing the devices.
The working group “is to ensure that our public is aware that officers will be equipped with the cameras and to solicit input from important points of view in our community,” said Police Chief Calvin W. Moss.
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