SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash., August 26, 2022 – Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers proposes motion to the Snohomish County Council for the purchase of 340 body worn cameras for Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and Detectives. These cameras are intended to improve the transparency of interactions between law enforcement and the public. This follows on the pilot program implemented in 2021.
The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office announced in September of last year that it will begin testing body cameras with select deputies. Sheriff Adam Fortney, a strong supporter of the effort, said during last year’s announcement that, “Body cams will provide additional transparency, help build community trust, and will also provide an extra layer of protection for the men and women who are working patrol and serving our community each day. Our office has prioritized funding body cameras for every deputy sheriff as a top request in our 2022 budget package and we hope to have them for all of our deputies next year.”
Executive Dave Somers has remained committed to this effort and will be expanding the program to all deputies have cameras.
“We are following through on our commitment to the community and our law enforcement partners to equip every patrol deputy and detective in the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office with body worn cameras,” said Executive Somers. “Public safety is our top priority, and we know that body cams will improve public safety and provide an additional tool for understanding use of force incidents. This added transparency is a key component of ensuring justice for the public and our deputies. I urge the Council to support this motion.”
“Body cameras are an important investment for us to make in our community and our Deputies,” said Snohomish County Council Chair Megan Dunn. “We must have every possible tool available to minimize ambiguity when law enforcement officers use force. These body cameras are a significant tool and can help us more easily answer questions when they arise.”
“Our Deputies deserve the added protection of body worn cameras,” said Snohomish County Councilmember Nate Nehring. “Cameras are never perfect records of encounters, but they do provide an additional perspective when there are disputes about what happens. These will undoubtedly help us improve public safety by providing a more objective record of officers’ actions.”
The proposed motion will now be considered by the County Council.
Content Source: Snohomish County Govt with additions by the Lynnwood Times
