Improving CSPD's implementation of its BWC Program

Proposal Abstract

The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) is seeking funding under the BJA Body-Worn Camera (BWC) Policy and Implementation Program to Support Law Enforcement Agencies to enhance and improve its existing comprehensive body-worn camera (BWC) program by replacing the BWCs worn by all CSPD sworn officers with BWCs from a new provider. CSPD is well-positioned to implement this replacement process within its existing BWC program, which was established in 2016 and expanded in 2021 with funding from the Body-Worn Camera Implementation Program. The current program is established and successful, however the technological limitations and inconsistent performance of the current body-worn cameras are limiting CSPD’s ability to elevate its program to the next level of performance. Existing policies and training programs will be updated and modified as part of this replacement project using input from community and criminal justice stakeholders. The project will serve the citizens of Colorado Springs and sworn officers of CSPD.

The primary goal of the project is to improve the technological capabilities and reliability of CSPD’s BWC program, and in doing so, to improve transparency, accountability, and operational effectiveness while enhancing mutual trust with the community. To accomplish that goal 825 upgraded, replacement BWCs will be acquired to equip each sworn member of CSPD, and all officers will be trained on the functionality and use of the new BWCs. A full-time evidence technician will also be hired to assist with the increasing workload connected to the processing, retention, redaction, and release of BWC recordings.

The replacement program will provide CSPD with technologically superior BWCs, unlimited cloud-based digital evidence multimedia (DEM) storage, enhanced redaction capability, improved livestreaming, and integration with other CSPD systems. These enhanced features will aid CSPD in meeting both the requirements of State law and community expectations regarding BWC use by officers.  

Improving the BWC program with more capable, reliable BWCs will propel CSPD toward its objective of increased communication, education, transparency, and accountability which builds community trust and collaborative relationships.

Stakeholders and community groups have expressed their commitment to the body-worn camera program through their letters of support. Those entities include the Fourth Judicial District Attorney’s Office, the Colorado Springs Police Protective Association, and the Faith-Based Leaders Group. Further, the citizens of Colorado Springs have been clear in their support and have expressed their desire for CSPD officers to utilize BWC.