DGLY's integrated in-car and body camera solution being tested in North Vegas. Potential $1.5M order
NORTH LAS VEGAS (KSNV My News 3) – Do it right, or don't do it at all.That’s how North Las Vegas police are approaching the use of body cameras. The department is testing a variety of systems, hoping to become the next law enforcement agency in the state to roll out a comprehensive program. And they’re taking it a step farther than most departments. Officers in North Las Vegas are testing both body cameras and dash cameras, while most agencies are looking only at one or the other. The North Las Vegas plan is to use a combination, one on the officer’s body and four on the vehicle, giving a complete picture of each encounter.
In the field, Officer Michael Harris hears traffic from dispatch. It’s a hot call, a quick response. He’s helping track down two car thieves on the run. “Now we’re setting up a perimeter, getting units in the area,” Harris says. “To see if we can't box them in.” As News 3 rides along with Harris, the station’s camera isn’t the only one rolling as the suspects are taken into custody.
Harris is testing a police-issue body cam, and his cruiser is equipped with a handful of dash cams, documenting everything, including a TV reporter in the back seat.
Responding to a question from the reporter, Harris says, yes, a camera pointing to the passenger seat would show everything.
“We see a benefit in a more accurate depiction of what's happening in that interaction,” says North Las Vegas Police Sgt. Chrissie Coon.
Coon says it’s all or nothing for her department. Just last month, Police Chief Joseph Chronister updated the City Council on the cam tests. “More civil interactions between police and citizens, fewer complaints, and fewer lawsuits,” Chronister says. Displaying how well-placed cameras work hand-in-hand, a Texas law enforcement video shows a dash cam catching part of the story. The officer’s body cam records something more.
The recording includes images of the suspect punching the officer in the face before the two wind up struggling on the sidewalk. Speaking about body and dash cams, North Las Vegas Mayor John Lee says, “This will be a police priority not only for our police, but our community.” Money is a major factor in how quickly police agencies can begin using the cameras. That’s why North Las Vegas plans to test a variety of models in the coming weeks, hoping to determine which ones will do the best job for the police and the taxpayers.
As part of the expense, Coon notes that all the operating systems for every police computer would have to be upgraded. She says the initial investment could be roughly $1.5 million, not a small amount for a city that has faced tough financial times.
To help pay for the cameras, the city plans to aggressively seek federal funding. While they test various systems, the technology is becoming less expensive as more police departments compete for contracts. “We're kind of in a position that if we can't fund it and do it right the first time, then it's really a waste of time and money for everybody,” Coon says. Officer Harris says so far he likes the cameras. “I think it's a benefit for both the Police Department and the community we serve.”Back on the street, another potentially dangerous call comes across his radio. “You inside the residence, North Las Vegas Police Department!” Harris shouts. “You need to come out the front door with your hands up. Do it now!”A woman had come home to find her back door wide open, a possible burglary in progress. It’s up to Harris and his fellow officers to clear the house, with cameras rolling.
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