St. Charles Police Department Implementation of Body Worn Camera Transparency and Accountability Program (BWC-TAP)

The City of St. Charles Police Department seeks to develop and implement a comprehensive BWC and
in-car camera program. The purpose of this program is to improve transparency and accountability,
and to bolster trust and mutual respect between the citizens of the St. Charles community and the
officers of the St. Charles Police Department. Through this program the Department also seeks to
capture empirical and invaluable evidence through the audio and visual recordings obtained during
criminal investigations, police-citizen interactions, and use-of-force incidents. Through this
comprehensive program the Department plans to equip all 60 sworn officers with a BWC, 20 front-line
vehicles with in-car camera systems, and to procure 5 spare BWCs for temporary issuance in the case
of emergencies or equipment failures.
The program implementation will include collaboration with local prosecutors, police collective
bargaining units, City staff and elected officials, and most importantly the citizens of the St. Charles
community. Expected outcomes of the St. Charles Police Department BWC Transparency and
Accountability Program (BWC-TAP) are to bring the Department into full compliance with the State
of Illinois Law Enforcement Officer-Worn Body Camera Act; to establish direct sharing of digital
evidence generated from BWCs and in-car cameras with prosecutors of the Kane and DuPage County
State’s Attorney Offices; and to support crime victims and individuals impacted by the justice system.
Ultimately the program is expected to solidify the Department’s existing professional, accountable,
and transparent police service, in accordance with its mission to protect and serve the community with
respect and a commitment to excellence.