ARLINGTON, Va. – The Arlington County Police Department, Sheriff’s Office and Fire Marshals’ Office are seeking the public’s input and feedback on draft Digital Evidence Management System policies, regulating digital audio and video recordings captured by body worn cameras, in-car cameras, and interview room cameras.
Provide your comments here by Sunday, November 29, 2020 [Feedback was accepted until November 29, 2020. The form has now closed.]
The draft policies were developed after an extensive review of model policies by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and policies of police departments across the country with established body worn camera programs. The goal is to create model policies utilizing established best practices and to continue to strengthen community relations and professional standards within the departments by enhancing transparency, accountability and training.
To ensure the policies reflect the interests and concerns of the Arlington Community, the public safety agencies are asking members of the public, as well as key stakeholders including the County Attorney’s Office, Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, County Manager’s Office, and the Assessors of the Police Practices Group to review the draft policies and share their views and feedback. All comments provided will be reviewed and evaluated for incorporation into the policies.
Draft Policies
Questions related to the draft policies can be emailed to ACPDpolicy@arlingtonva.us.
Body Worn Camera Program
In July, the Arlington County Board approved Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) funding for a body worn camera program for the Arlington County Police Department, Arlington County Sheriff’s Office, and Arlington County Fire Marshals. These cameras will complement the police department’s existing in-car camera system. Implementation of the program is anticipated in early 2021.
RELATED: Arlington to Fund Body-Worn Camera Program for Police, Sheriff’s Office
