Kentucky State Police to be equipped with body cameras

FRANKFORT, Ky. — For the primary time within the commonwealth’s historical past, the Kentucky State Police (KSP) might be geared up with body-worn cameras, the KSP report.

On Friday, on the coaching academy in Frankfort, the KSP demonstrated the brand new built-in video recording system, which might be distributed to roughly 780 sworn personnel.

“These recording units will present safety to our troopers and officers by documenting precisely what occurs throughout a state of affairs,” Gov. Andy Beshear mentioned. “KSP is dedicated to being the most effective and to doing issues proper. I commend them for his or her transparency.”

“Public security is key to creating a greater Kentucky for all of those that select to name the commonwealth their house. These units display to the general public that evaluations of regulation enforcement exercise might be thorough and clear, thereby strengthening public belief in regulation enforcement,” Justice and Public Security Cupboard Secretary Kerry Harvey mentioned.

In November 2021, Gov. Beshear first introduced his plans for an funding to enhance public security, which included $12.2 million for KSP to buy an built-in video recording system. In April 2022, the Governor signed the laws that funded the recording system.

Instantly following the enactment of the brand new state funds, KSP evaluated out there techniques and carried out testing, which included defensive techniques drills, firearms simulations, reside fireplace trainings and typical day-to-day trooper duties.

KSP chosen the Motorola M500 Built-in System, which features a V300 body-worn digital camera, audio recording gadget and in-car video with high-definition cameras, which is able to document a ahead sprint view and the rear passenger compartment of the patrol automobile. The recorded video and audio are robotically uploaded to a digital storage location, lowering troopers’ time on administrative features, the KSP acknowledged.

“When the Governor’s funds allotted funds for an built-in video system, we realized the necessity to fastidiously take a look at and consider the most effective gear for us,” mentioned KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. “KSP plans to deploy the Motorola system in all cruisers by the top of 2023, starting with newly issued cruisers first. Troopers assigned to these cruisers will obtain the corresponding physique worn cameras at the moment.”

Documenting trooper interactions within the area permits KSP management to research grievances towards officers and can be utilized in refining methods taught to cadets on the KSP academy.

“With the built-in video system, supervisors within the area can higher look at these situations when complaints are made,” mentioned Lt. Col. Mike Rogers, KSP Director of Operations.

KSP will rent 28 civilian workers to help in documentation, system upkeep and archival of video footage captured via the built-in video recording system.