Cape police test officer-worn cameras

Cape Girardeau's scofflaws might want to make sure they're ready for their close-ups before committing any crimes in the next few weeks.

For the next four to six weeks, the Cape Girardeau Police Department will be testing body-worn cameras for patrol officers, said Darin Hickey, public information officer for the department.

"There's three cops running around with video cameras," he said Tuesday.

An example of the Axon brand camera by TASER that will be tested by Cape Girardeau police officers. (Courtesy of TASER)

Officers began testing the cameras, which are on loan from TASER International, this week, Hickey said.

TASER is famous for its stun guns, but the company also supplies digital evidence collection equipment and officer-worn cameras to police departments, Hickey said.

He said the cameras provide accountability for officers while helping them collect evidence at crime scenes.

"It's going to be beneficial to everybody," Hickey said.

The project is unfunded, but by testing the equipment now, the department can determine whether to pursue funds to buy it in the future, he said.

"We have a job to do, and if this technology will help us in making our job easier and still making us more effective, then that technology has to be looked at," Hickey said.

He did not yet know what it would cost to buy cameras for the department, noting any dollar figure would depend on the number of cameras and access licenses purchased.

One major advantage of cameras is they collect information objectively, Hickey said.

"The idea is that it gathers a true representation of what the officer saw and what the scene was," he said. "It allows for that ... to be taken without prejudice."

A camera may pick up details an officer missed at first glance, making it a useful investigative tool, he said.

It also provides an unbiased record of interactions between officers and the people they deal with, which protects both parties, Hickey said.

"It keeps honest guys honest, and it's not just the cops. The idea is it keeps everybody honest," he said.

epriddy@semissourian.com

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