Union Approves LAPD's Body Camera Policy

Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) President Craig Lally has released the following statement regarding the proposed Special Order for body worn cameras on police officers:

"Over the past several months, the LAPPL has been working closely with the department in a meet and confer process regarding the deployment of body worn cameras within the LAPD. These discussions have been constructive and have resulted in a body worn video policy that is fair, reasonable and consistent with Department of Justice recommendations , other departments' policies and our current digital in-car video policy.

Often video footage is extremely beneficial for providing a reliable account of events and helping officers to get criminals off the streets. However, it is critical for our officers and the public to remember—and as the policy clearly states—these body camera videos provide a limited perspective and are not to be relied upon as the sole piece of evidence, but rather used in conjunction with all other available evidence, including witness statements, officer interviews, forensic analyses and documentary evidence when evaluating what has occurred and/or the appropriateness of the officer's actions.

Accordingly, the LAPPL supports the Special Order regarding the body worn video policy that has been submitted to the Police Commission. We are confident that the policy as drafted balances everyone’s rights and interests—the officers, the department, the city and the community—and believe that body worn cameras will help promote mutual accountability, accuracy and assistance in the continued effort to strengthen the community’s trust as LAPD officers strive to protect and serve the residents of Los Angeles."