Since 2019, the VPD has been working to research and establish a state-of-the art police camera program to enhance the safety of police officers and the community

VANCOUVER – In July, the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) began testing and evaluation (T&E) of a second body-worn and in-car camera platform. Five officers were equipped with body-worn cameras and five vehicles were equipped with front-facing and rear-passenger compartment cameras. VPD concluded the T&E with this platform and all cameras were shut off on Aug. 5 at noon.  

The Request for Proposal (RFP) committee, which includes two community members and representatives from the City Attorney’s Office, Vancouver Police Department, and the Information Technology Department provided their recommendations to the Executive Sponsor Committee on August 15. Based on the feedback, contract negotiations between the city of Vancouver and the vendor will begin. Once the contract is finalized, the VPD is tentatively expected to present the contract to the Vancouver City Council in September 2022 for their approval.

Since 2019, the VPD has been working to research and establish a state-of-the art police camera program to enhance the safety of — and improve interactions between — police officers and the community, as well as to aid in the investigation process.

The City Council budgeted $3 million in the FY21/22 budget for the program and the City is slated to receive $1.5 million in federal funding in fall 2022 to support the program. 

More information on the Vancouver Police Department camera can be found at: Vancouver Police Camera Study | City of Vancouver, Washington, USA. 

Information provided by Vancouver Police Department.