Deputies Add Body Cameras To Uniform: Harford County Sheriff

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — More officers within the Harford County Sheriff's Office will be wearing cameras.

This month the agency began issuing body cameras to all deputies rank lieutenant and below.

"As you are out and about in the community, you will notice an increased number of Deputies wearing the Axon Body Worn Camera system," the Harford County Sheriff's Office advised Oct. 22. "We will have more information to share once when we cross the finish line in January. But, until then, know that we are continuing to work to ensure the safety of all community members and deputies."

It was not the first time officers had been issued body cameras.

Harford County officers began a pilot body camera program in 2017 that started with 10 deputies who had cameras, officials said.

"These cameras supplemented the in-car camera system we have utilized for years," the sheriff's office said in a statement Oct. 22. "Both of these operating systems have proven to be valuable tools in the investigation of crimes and citizen complaints."

The goal of the agency is to have all officers wearing body cameras in January 2022.

By law, officers in Maryland will be required to have body cameras by July 1, 2023.