The year was 2012, and body-worn cameras were just finding their footing as a viable and valuable tool in U.S. law enforcement. The Rialto Police Department, however, took an early lead in this groundbreaking effort. This blog post will chronicle the journey of the Rialto PD in embracing body-worn camera technology to protect both their officers and the community they serve.

The Dawn of Body-Worn Cameras in Rialto

It all began with the Rialto Police Department, led by Chief Tony Farrar, decided to conduct a year-long randomized controlled trial in partnership with researchers to evaluate the impact and potential benefits of body-worn cameras for their officers. The study, which kicked off in February 2012, aimed to analyze the cameras' effects on police officers' behavior, use of force incidents, and citizen complaints. It also sought to evaluate whether citizens felt assured when interacting with officers wearing body cameras.

The department made a careful investment in the required hardware and enlisted Taser International (now Axon) as the provider for cameras, docking stations, and software for the project. Officers were comprehensively trained to use the cameras and strict guidelines were laid out for when the cameras should be activated or deactivated.

The Impact of Body-Worn Cameras on the Rialto PD

What came out of the year-long study were intriguing insights that encouraged police departments across the nation to consider adopting body-worn cameras. The findings included:

A 60% reduction in officer use-of-force incidents

An 88% decrease in citizen complaints

These results showcased that body-worn cameras had the potential to significantly enhance overall policing practices, transparency, engagement with the community, and the accountability of both Rialto's officers and citizens.

It wasn't just the numbers that were telling a positive story. Law enforcement officials, officers, and the community at large, began to view body-worn cameras as a powerful tool for ensuring public trust, gathering valuable evidence, and furthering the concept of "policing in the public eye."

The Ripple Effect of Rialto's Success

Rialto's landmark study has since acted as a catalyst for the widespread adoption of body-worn cameras among law enforcement agencies across the United States. From larger city police departments to smaller rural forces, agencies have increasingly embraced body cameras and their associated benefits.

Some of the noteworthy milestones that originated from Rialto's initiative include:

1. By 2014, the Obama Administration, in response to nationwide issues of excessive force and distrust towards police, announced a $263 million federal funding initiative to expand the use of body-worn cameras and improve overall policing strategies.

2. In May 2015, Los Angeles became the first major city in America to announce its plan to outfit every police officer with a body camera.

3. According to a 2016 National Institute of Justice survey, about 47% of general-purpose law enforcement agencies in the U.S. have begun using body-worn cameras.

4. Many new public policies and standards about the use of body-worn cameras have been developed to address privacy concerns, data storage, access to footage, and officer training.

Pushing the Boundaries: The Present and Future of Body Cameras in Rialto PD

Even after the successful completion of their pilot study, the Rialto Police Department has not rested on its laurels. The force remains committed to innovating and staying ahead of the curve when it comes to body-worn camera technology. The department now uses a state-of-the-art camera system, which allows for seamless cloud storage, real-time streaming options, and an extended battery life. Additionally, by integrating newer technology, Rialto PD has opened itself up to harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence and facial recognition.

As Rialto PD and departments across the U.S. enter a new decade of policing, there is no denying that body-worn cameras have already changed the landscape of American law enforcement. Beyond tactical implications, these devices have encouraged a culture of transparency, collaboration, and solidarity that allow police departments to work together with their communities to build a safer future for all.