Denver commanders expect learning curve

Department to roll out 800 recorders to o∞ cers this year

Denver police stressed Friday that there will be a learning curve and probably policy changes as the department rolls out 800 body cameras to officers throughout the year.

“It’s another tool thatwe have to remember to activate and use,” Cmdr. Barb Archer said at a morning news conference at police headquarters. “Just like when you get a new smartphone, it takes you awhile to figure out which button does what, which app does what. We’re going to allow for some error within reason.”

The first batch of recorders hit the streets Thursday night after 80 officers were trained to use them. Some of the uses remain in flux, including for officers working off duty. Chief Robert White wants cameras on such members of the force.

“The secondary- employment, off- duty piece requires a lot of logistics that includes money and equipment,” Archer said. “That’s still coming.”

Commanders held the news conference to inform the public about how the program will work.

The cameras first will be given to officers in District 6 — which covers downtown— and the traffic-operations and gang units. From there, officers in other districts will begin to get cameras, ending with the department’s force at Denver International Airport by year’s end.

Commanders say they welcome public input on the program and will monitor how similar initiatives across the country are working to implement best practices.

“This isn’t anything that is set in stone at this point,” Mary Dulacki, records coordinator for the city’s safety department, said of how videos will be released to the public on a casebycase basis.

The department’s body- camera policies have drawn criticism from civil rights groups, especially after the city’s independent monitor found only about one in every four use- of- force incidents was recorded in a 2014 pilot program. Police, however, called the trial successful and said it helped them form what they feel is a purposeful, thought- out initiative.

“We are proud of our body worn-camera program and that it was developed after careful consideration,” Deputy Chief Matt Murray said.

Photos by Kathryn Scott Osler, The Denver Post Denver police Detective JohnMedford wears a body camera during a news conference at police headquarters Friday. The first batch of cameras hits the streets Thursday night after 80 officers were trained to use them.

To allow for training and equipment installation, the cameras will be phased in across Denver, police said.