Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today announced the launch of a body-worn camera program in Howard County, with 300 sworn officers now using the technology.
“With today’s announcement, we are taking another step on the path to public safety,” Ball said during a briefing at the county police headquarters in Ellicott City. “Howard County, home of Columbia, the Safest City in America, is now one step closer to being even safer for all.”
Ball said that he sponsored legislation the led to a recommendation for cameras when he was a councilman, and after being sworn in as executive, prioritized resources to make sure that funding was available for staffing, equipment, storage and other needs. The county operated a camera pilot program 2017 and 2018, but funding constraints prohibited a full roll-out until now, he and other officials said.
Ball said he is committed to accountability and improving safety for all residents.
Starting on Monday, the county is operating cameras for 300 uniformed officers, including patrol officers, community outreach officers, School Resource Officers, traffic investigators and tactical units. Other components of the program include 10 new positions for Police Department, 13 new positions for State’s Attorney’s Office, training for all staff and new storage space. The program costs between $3 million and $4 million per year to run.
“This project is a reflection of the county’s commitment to the outstanding relationships of trust and transparency our police department has long-established with the community,” said Police Chief Gregory Der. “It is always our goal to offer the best possible practices in law enforcement to the Howard County community…We remain committed to respecting and protecting all of the people we serve.”
The cameras will be automatically activated every time an officer engages emergency equipment in a patrol car or draws a firearm or Taser. Vehicles and holsters are being equipped with sensors to ensure cameras are immediately activated in these situations.
Der said the program will grow to include non-uniform officers and others in the coming year.
A cost-benefit analysis by the Justice Department shows that body worn camera programs save money, Ball said, because reduced complaints lead to reduced time required to resolve such complaints, resulted in substantial cost savings for police departments.
