San Diego Police Adjust Body Camera Usage Policy Following Unrecorded Shooting
Zimmerman said at a news conference on Thursday in front of police headquarters that officers will be told to turn the recording on before they arrive at calls that “are likely to result in enforcement contact.”
The San Diego Police Department will begin training officers to activate body-worn cameras earlier in the process of responding to calls, Chief Shelley Zimmerman announced Thursday.
The new orders are a subtle but potentially important change in how the cameras are used, and comes one week after the fatal shooting of a man in the Midway District by an officer whose camera was not recording.
Previously, officers were trained to turn the device on when they interacted with someone in what the camera policy described as an “enforcement related contact.”
Zimmerman said at a news conference on Thursday in front of police headquarters that officers will be told to turn the recording on before they arrive at calls that “are likely to result in enforcement contact.”
Rawshannehad was shot in an alley off Hancock Street by a veteran officer on April 30. Browder had been dispatched after 911 calls reported a man with a knife threatening people in the area, and the encounter with Rawshannehad was not recorded on his body-mounted camera, U-T San Diego reports.
Some 600 officers have been issued cameras in the Central, Mid-City, Southeastern, Western, Northern and Southern divisions as well as the Gang Suppression Unit.
Another 400 are planned to be purchased in the upcoming year for the Traffic, Eastern and Northern divisions. The units cost $299 or $499 depending on the model, according to the 2014 contract between the city and the Taser corporation, which sells the cameras.
More Patrol

Streamlight to Showcase Newest Lighting Products at National Safety Council’s Safety Congress & Expo 2026
Streamlight will showcase its latest lights, including the Portable Scene Light III and the LiteBox 1Million, at the 2026 National Safety Council (NSC) Safety Congress & Expo.
Read More →
The 2027 World Police & Fire Games Set for Perth, Australia
The 2027 World Police & Fire Games (WPFG) will take place in Perth, Western Australia, from Friday, March 12 through Sunday, March 21, 2027.
Read More →
5.11 Partners with National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to Support #ForThe343
5.11 has joined the nationwide movement honoring the 343 New York City Fire Department firefighters lost on Sept. 11, 2001.
Read More →
Team Wendy Announces Title Sponsorship of the Jorge Pastore Foundation
Team Wendy’s 3-year partnership with the Jorge Pastore Foundation expands access to programs that strengthen those who serve.
Read More →
National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum Hosting 9/11 25th-Year Commemoration Ceremony
The National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum is hosting a 9/11 25th Year Commemoration Ceremony on Sept. 11 at 4 p.m.
Read More →
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Announces June 2026 Officers of the Month
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) named 15 officers of the Chico Police Department (California) as the Officers of the Month for June 2026 for their roles in responding to an active-shooter incident at a public library.
Read More →
Team Wendy App Creates New Digital Hub for Helmet Owners
The Team Wendy Community App provides one location for warranty registration, size-fit tools, product updates, and community connection. For helmet owners, the new app creates a simpler path to the information and tools that matter most.
Read More →
PositionPTT & Pryme Combine Communication Technologies to Deliver Distracted Driving Compliance
Pryme Radio Accessories and hardware/software maker PositionPTT join forces to advance hands-free communications and ensure Department of Transportation compliance using an integrated system of push-to-talk platforms, devices, and audio equipment.
Read More →
Justice Department Releases $25M in Law Enforcement Grants & Resources
The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services has just released $25 million in new grant Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) to support law enforcement. The recently released NOFOs include the Safer Outcomes: Enhancing Crisis Response Training for Law Enforcement Program and other grant programs.
Read More →
What Makes a Laptop Rugged or Fully Rugged?
What separates a rugged laptop from a fully rugged one? In this video, two Panasonic Connect experts explain the military testing, IP ratings, durability standards, and real-world features that help law enforcement officers rely on their computers in any environment.
Read More →