CMPD Officers Getting Body Cameras for Off-Duty Work

CHARLOTTE, NC – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police are expanding their use of body cameras.

“I think it’s a positive move because what we’re pushing for is, of course, as much transparency as possible,” says Robert Dawkins, with SAFE Coalition NC.

By the end of the month, all patrol officers will be equipped with body cams to use during their secondary or off-duty jobs.

“They’re still representing the city even if they’re working for a private entity at the time,” Dawkins says.
Up until now, CMPD hasn’t been able to do it because it’s so expensive.

The initial rollout in 2015 is costing the city more than $7 Million over five years.

“There’s storage space and there’s costs associated with operating the cameras and that’s where the real money comes in,” explains Brad Muller.

Muller is chairman of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Foundation.

The department came to them and was able to secure $200,000 to pay for additional cameras.

“We at the foundation are all about transparency, protecting our officers, helping them do their jobs and community,” Muller says.

Perhaps the highest profile example came Christmas Eve 2015.

An off-duty officer working security at Northlake Mall shot and killed 18-year-old Daquan Westbrook, saying Westbrook pointed a gun at him.

And while Dawkins would still like to see body camera video be public record, he says this is a good first step.

“Anytime that you have a uniform on or if you’re an officer, you’re representing the city in any capacity, whether on or off the clock,” he says.