Kirkland Officers To Begin Wearing Body Cameras

KIRKLAND, WA — Kirkland has put the finishing touches on a new body-worn camera program for police officers, which officials expect to begin in early December, a few weeks ahead of schedule. Officers in the city's traffic unit will be the first to deploy the new cameras, with the rest of the force expected to follow suit before the new year.

City officials said the cameras will help keep a record of interactions with the public, adding a layer of accountability, while assisting officers in gathering evidence and completing reports.

"Body-worn cameras are meant to enhance the safety of both our community members and our officers," said Kirkland City Councilmember Jon Pascal. "The Council heard from many in our community about body-worn cameras as we considered various issues of policy and funding. Providing our officers with body-worn cameras will support their efforts in keeping our community safe, while providing greater transparency and accountability into interactions between police and the public.

The city council renewed work to implement a body camera program starting in 2020 and later received a federal grant to help purchase the equipment needed. Officials sought community feedback earlier this year, and in July adopted an ordinance authorizing the cameras for use, while restricting facial recognition technology.

Kirkland is the latest King County agency to equip officers with cameras. In September, the Redmond Police Department rolled out cameras to all officers and patrol vehicles, and the King County Sheriff's Office plans to move forward with a similar initiative early next year.

>> Learn more about Kirkland's body-worn camera program on the city's website.