The University of Louisiana at Lafayette Police Department has provided body cameras to all of its commissioned officers.
The video cameras are worn during routine patrols, special assignments and K-9 operations.
They will aid in investigations by:
• capturing video of incidents in real time;
• helping with evidence collection;
• preserving information at crime scenes;
• improving the ability to identify suspects; and
• assuring the accuracy of statements.
Video taken by the body cameras will be an additional resource for prosecutors to use during court proceedings.
Sgt. Billy Abrams, University Police public information officer, said the body cameras have another important function: “They protect the integrity of an officer’s interaction with the public.”
Officers have been using the devices since the beginning of April.
The body cameras, which are a little smaller than the average smartphone, are attached to the front of officers’ uniforms.
Abrams said University Police officers' response to the new equipment has been overwhelmingly positive.
UL Lafayette funded the new equipment. The department has had in-car cameras since 2005.
Caption: University Police Sgt. Billy Abrams adjusts a new body camera.