University Police Officers to Wear Body-Worn Cameras in Pilot Program

The Department of Public Safety/University Police at Western Washington University is starting a pilot program to evaluate use of body-worn cameras by University Police officers.

“Body-worn cameras have become an increasingly important part of best-practice policing. The cameras have the potential to increase accountability and transparency. Through this pilot program, we hope to learn how to best utilize these cameras at Western,” said Darin Rasmussen, director of Public Safety and University Chief of Police.

Starting June 15, 2021, six officers will be wearing the Axon Body 3 camera while on-duty. The participating officers, Chief Rasmussen, and the Campus Community Public Safety Advisory Council will evaluate the program through the end of 2021.

Public comment also will be sought on the program and can be made through the University Police webpage under the Body Worn Camera Pilot tab.

Following the conclusion of the pilot program, a recommendation will be made by the committee to the WWU Vice President of Business and Financial Affairs regarding whether or not the program should be made permanent.

For more information, including guidelines and answers to frequently asked questions, see: https://police.wwu.edu/body-worn-camera-pilot-program-faqs.