Replacing and Upgrading Body Worn Cameras for South Sioux City Police Department

The South Sioux City Police Department seeks to expand its Body-Worn Camera (BWC) program by replacing end-of-life cameras with upgraded equipment. This initiative aims to maintain and enhance trust within our diverse community and improve officer accountability. South Sioux City, with a population of approximately 13,856, is characterized by its significant Hispanic and Eastern African immigrant populations. Upgrading BWCs will improve digital evidence management, resolve citizen complaints, and enhance transparency and officer safety.
    The project involves purchasing 20 new BWCs for patrol officers, securing a cloud storage solution, and providing comprehensive training. The primary objectives are to enhance accountability, improve evidence management, and strengthen community trust. Implementation will be completed within three months of grant award notification, with training provided by the vendor, Axon. BWC usage policies will be updated as needed to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
    The department's capabilities include extensive experience with technology integration, digital evidence management, and policy development. The project team, comprising trained officers and technical staff, will oversee the BWC system's implementation and integration with the existing evidence management infrastructure. The upgraded BWCs will support police operations within the Siouxland area and enhance evidence support for Dakota County Courts.
    Community engagement will be a critical component, with the department leveraging its social media presence to provide updates and seek feedback. Performance metrics will be tracked using the existing digital evidence management system, focusing on indicators such as incident recordings, video reviews, and the resolution of complaints. The department will collaborate with the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) provider to document and share best practices and lessons learned, contributing valuable insights to the broader law enforcement community.
    This project will significantly benefit the residents of South Sioux City by promoting transparency, improving public safety, and fostering a collaborative relationship between law enforcement and the community.