Wilmington Police Department invests in new and improved body cameras

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Wilmington Police Department is adding a new and improved way to patrol the Port City. They’re rolling out new body cameras. This enhanced technology will give officers a better way to keep a watchful eye on what’s happening on the streets, especially during large events. 

The biggest change is that these cameras can livestream as well as record. Any footage captured can serve as potential evidence. 

Capt. Rodney Dawson said these body cameras are specifically designed to record or go live in a split second.

“If they turn their taser on, if they unholster their gun, if they turn their blue lights and siren on, those things will initiate a recording as well,” Capt. Dawson said.

He said tools like this are vital in keeping officers and citizens safe.

“Sometimes there’s things that are lost in translation if you’re not able to see the surroundings, see what’s going on,” Capt. Dawson said. “This allows our incident commanders to make those decisions quicker based on real time information.” 

He added that these cameras can come in handy, especially in large gatherings, like the Azalea Festival when extra eyes are needed.

Capt. Dawson said technology like this not only allows for better communication within WPD but also between other agencies. For example, WPD can send and receive footage from and to Carolina Beach Police Department because they too use these services.

“So, we’re able to share our evidence with them and they’re able to share their evidence with us. This is also the method we use to share our videos with the DA’s office for prosecution,” Capt. Dawson said. 

With the NC Azalea Festival happening this week, WPD said these body cameras will be a vital way to see what’s going on in real time. The department is going to activate its Police Operations Center during the parade, and it will be activated throughout the year for any major events.