Ridgeland, MS Police Department BWC Implementation Program

Primary Activities:  

Research, Test, and Evaluate:   Once the funding is received from the agency, the Ridgeland Police Department (RPD) will extensively research, test, and evaluate various body-worn cameras (BWC) to determine the best device that meets the needs and expectations of RPD administration, its officers, and the community.  
Engage the Community:  RPD appreciates the importance of transparency, trust, and communication with city residents and business owners; therefore, RPD will survey, evaluate, and engage the community regarding the BWC system and draft and implement community expectations in the final BWC policies and procedures.  The objective is to establish a BWC system that best fits the needs of RPD and the community.
Establish Policies and Procedures:  To maintain transparency and trust within the community, RPD will first establish policies and procedures necessary to address the community with the use of BWC's.  Secondly, in an effort to uphold the laws of the Freedom of Information Act, policies and procedures will be put in place to retain and access recorded events.  In addition, policies and procedures of departments with BWC's currently in use will be extensively researched and adopted according to the needs of RPD and the community.
Deploy BWC System:  Once a determination has been made on the choice of BWC and policies and procedures are in place, field personnel making regular contact with citizens will be fitted with a BWC.

Products and Deliverables: 

A body-worn camera system capable of high-quality audio and video recording will be chosen to document encounters between officers and the public.

Service Area: 

A suburb of the state capital of Mississippi, Ridgeland has a population of 24,104.  Located in the central part of the state, Ridgeland’s land area is 19.61 square miles, and has a population per square mile of 1,226.  The city’s race demographics include:  55.5% Caucasian, 37.1% African American, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 3.5% Asian, 0.9% two or more races, and 0.2% Native American.  Median household income is $60,823, and the poverty level is 8.3%.

Benefit: 

All stakeholders within the community will benefit from the body-worn camera system.  Documentation of video and audio recordings will hold officers accountable and create a transparent and trustworthy system of policing and public service.