This post explains on-officer cameras, also known as body-cams. Reporters seeking more information should contact the Public Information Officer, (801) 799-6397, during business hours. Information last updated: December 4, 2014.

Q: When did SLCPD acquire on-officer cameras, also known as body-cams?
A: The Salt Lake City Police Department received its first shipment in January 2013. The 15 units were part of a larger purchase made by the Valley Police Alliance with funding from the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program (HIDTA) for the Rocky Mountain Region.

Q: How many more units have been acquired?
A:  As of December 2014, a total of 295 cameras have been purchased for deployment.

Q: What model of body-cam is it?
A: Taser AXONFlex.

Q: How much does each unit cost?
A: $3,368, which includes 5 year full replacement warranty, data storage and maintenance.

Q: How many units does SLCPD want to have in the field?
A: As of December 2014, one for every first-responder officer, approximately 295—with plans to outfit every sworn officer in the future.

Q: When did SLCPD reach its initial goal of 250 units in the field?
A: October 1, 2014.

Q: Who wears body-cams?
A: Officers in first-responder roles, including Patrol, Metro Support, Motors, Bikes, SWAT, Gangs, Accident Investigators, and Truck Inspectors.

Q: How long is body-cam video stored?
A: This varies based on type of crime and court needs. Most categories are a 1-3 year retention.

Q: Can the public see body-cam video footage?
A: It isn’t made available for general viewing purposes. Access is governed like any other SLCPD document through the Government Records Access Management Act (GRAMA).

More questions? Email slcpdpr@slcgov.com and we’ll add them and the answers to this post.

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