Norridge BWCPIP

This request is to support the new wide-scale implementation of the Body Worn Camera (BWC) program for the Norridge Police Department. The objective is to enhance transparency, accountability, and the overall effectiveness of law enforcement within our jurisdiction.  

The implementation of a BWC program is essential for the Norridge Police Department to improve public trust and ensure the integrity of police interactions. Studies have shown that BWCs can significantly reduce incidents of use of force and complaints against officers. For instance, a study conducted by the Police Foundation found that shifts without cameras experienced twice as many incidents of use of force as shifts with cameras. Additionally, complaints against officers dropped by 88% in departments that deployed BWCs. 

Norridge, Illinois, is a diverse community with a population of approximately 15,000 residents. The demographics include a mix of ethnicities, with significant Italian, Polish, and Hispanic communities. Ensuring fair and transparent policing in such a diverse environment is crucial to maintaining public trust and safety. 

The Norridge Police Department plans to leverage digital evidence from BWCs to improve the adjudication of cases under agency administrative review. This includes using BWC footage to resolve citizen complaints and allegations of excessive use of force effectively. By having concrete visual and audio evidence, the department can make more informed decisions, leading to fairer outcomes and increased accountability. 

BWCs are instrumental in enhancing officer safety, as they provide a clear record of interactions, which can de-escalate potentially volatile situations. The presence of a BWC can deter aggressive behavior from both officers and civilians. Furthermore, BWCs support evidentiary effectiveness by providing reliable and objective evidence that can be used in court proceedings, thereby strengthening the prosecution's case and ensuring justice is served. 

The Norridge Police Department recognizes that BWCs are a vital tool in promoting transparency and accountability. By documenting interactions between officers and the public, BWCs help build trust within the community. This program's implementation demonstrates our commitment to openness and a higher standard of policing, ensuring that our officers act in accordance with the law and departmental policies. 

In conclusion, the wide-scale implementation of the BWC program in Norridge IL is a necessary step toward modernizing our police force, improving community relations, and ensuring that justice is served with integrity and transparency. 

Norridge Police Department is allotted 39 full time sworn officers all who have patrol activities or daily citizen interactions in the field. We have Patrol, Detectives, SRO and Administrative staff. We will be purchasing 41 BWC. The extra will be for spare and potential growth of the department. We have no other grants slotted for this BWC program at this time.