JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska – The 673d Security Forces Squadron integrates 60 new, high-tech body cameras into daily operations Jan. 10, 2021 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.
As these small, sleek cameras have continued to evolve, they have come to be a familiar staple for several occupations and for countless reasons. In the case of JBER’s defenders, the adaptable technology reached a point of not only being a reliable safety and training instrument, but a multifunctional accountability tool serving all.
Another aspect of accountability is how people react to the physical presence of a camera.
“We noticed with our old body cameras that when dealing with the subject or person we were helping in a situation or on a call, they would see the camera and were more likely to respond differently because they knew they were being recorded,” said Martinez. “On the other side of that, it also holds officers accountable for their behavior as well.”
In addition to increased accountability, writing reports after a full and long shift can be challenging. With the immediate playback feature, defenders can now ensure timely and accurate reporting.
“Compared to the old system, this new type of body camera helps a lot when it comes to writing reliable reports,” said U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Kelly Griffith, 673 SFS patrolman. “The old ones had to be uploaded and then viewed and released taking anywhere from four to twenty-four hours or more. Now, with the push of a button, we can immediately go over the footage and document what was said and done.”
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