Activation of Body Worn Cameras
Overall, Boulder Police officers are diligent about activating their body-worn cameras (BWC). However, several 2024 misconduct investigations raised concerns about late activation of BWCs, which risks missing key details important to investigations. Colorado law requires BWCs to be activated shortly before arriving at a scene. Officers' failure to activate cameras in a timely manner led to recommendations for disciplinary action.
Monitor’s Recommendation:
The Monitor has emphasized the importance of accountability, recommending that late BWC activation allegations be sustained, especially since warnings and verbal counseling had not been effective in curbing the behavior.
The Monitor also urged reassessment of BPD’s training and messaging to ensure clarity for officers and supervisors on when and how to activate BWCs. Feedback from officers and sergeants suggested confusion, signaling a need for clearer guidelines.
Chief Redfearn’s Response:
Chief Redfearn sustained the allegations related to late BWC activation, in agreement with the Monitor’s recomendations. And in an effort to prevent future issues, sent an email to the department clarifying the expectations around BWC activation and commitment to enforce these standards.
