Jackson police field test body cameras
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JACKSON, Tenn. — After months of discussions and testing, the Jackson Police Department says they’re now closer than ever to equipping their officers with body cameras. It has been a hot topic across the country as hundreds of departments already have implemented the cameras that show exactly what happens out on the streets. Jackson police said the cameras are still a few months away, but Thursday marked some of the final steps toward getting them in the field. Our crews joined a number of Jackson police officers as they tested and trained one brand of cameras to see if they were the right fit. “The officers will wear them on the street for a little while and we’ll get an overall idea of what’s going to be best,” said Sgt. Derick Tisdale, public information officer with the Jackson Police Department. From testing on the street to training in the classroom, dozens of criteria need to be checked off. “Was it beneficial, was it lightweight, was it intrusive and did it affect your ability to do your job,” Tisdale said. It’s a lengthy process that officers say they’re not taking lightly. “This is what these companies are providing, and this works best for us or does not work best for us,” Tisdale said. “We want to make sure we make the best possible decision that we can.” From Milan to Selmer, smaller West Tennessee cities already have the technology, but officers said for a bigger city like Jackson it takes a little longer. “When you think of the size of this department, it shouldn’t be a quick decision,” Sgt. Tisdale said. “It should be discussed, looked at and ideas thrown around.” Officers said the technology will help better protect them and those they serve. “With the body cameras on, it may be that extra an officer needs or that a citizen needs to show what exactly happened out on the street,” Tisdale said. Although it may be taking a little while, the department said they just want to make sure they get it right. “Just be patient,” Tisdale said. “It’s not that we’re not trying to, but we want to make sure that your tax dollars are getting the best product and we’re using the best product.” Thursday’s testing and training was put on by Taser to test their brand of cameras. Jackson Police Chief Julian Wiser said a number of officers will be testing three or four other brands over the next few weeks as well. Wiser did not have a specific timeline on when his department hopes to have the cameras implemented but said it could take another six to 12 months. Depending on the brand, it could cost upward of $100,000 for 70 cameras.
