Police Schedule Public Meeting on Body Worn Cameras


On January 25th, 2017, the Winchester Police Department will hold a public meeting to address questions or concerns regarding the Department’s Body Worn Camera policy.  The department is currently in the procurement stage and hopes to have the new equipment operational by late spring.


In November, City Council provided consent for the Department to accept a grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance to implement a local body camera program.  Frederick County and the Winchester City Sheriff’s Office were partners in this grant application and approval. As part of the funding requirement, the departments must develop and implement body camera policies, which must be approved by the Bureau. The policy provides instructions on when and how officers/deputies are to use the cameras, as well as guidelines for management, storage, and release of data.


Click HERE to view the proposed policy.


“Body Worn Cameras can be a great tool for improving evidence collection and solving cases,” said Winchester Police Chief Kevin Sanzenbacher. “We hope it will also result in expediting complaints against officers, and help to build trust with our community by increasing accountability and transparency,” he said.


The Winchester Police Department has scheduled a public meeting to receive input on use of the cameras.  The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 25th from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. at the Timbrook Public Safety Center, located at 231 E. Piccadilly Street.


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