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    1. Safety & Security

    WMATA MTPD launches Body-Worn Camera Program

    March 27, 2023
    The body-worn cameras will supplement the more than 20,000 cameras WMATA has throughout its rail, bus and paratransit system to further strengthen public safety and security efforts.
    Related To: WMATA-Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
    WMATA
    The WMATA MTPD has launched its Body-Worn Camera Program.
    The WMATA MTPD has launched its Body-Worn Camera Program.

    The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) has launched its Body-Worn Camera Program, which will train and equip all MTPD officers, sergeants and lieutenants to begin carrying body-worn cameras in the coming months. The body-worn cameras will supplement the more than 20,000 cameras WMATA has throughout the rail, bus and paratransit system to further strengthen public safety and security efforts.

    The department will take a staged approach in its rollout of body-worn cameras, beginning with a group of approximately two dozen highly trained officers in the MTPD’s Special Response Team and Tactical Operations Unit. These officers will be the first to begin carrying body-worn cameras later this month. Following the initial deployment, body-worn cameras will be put into use at each of the three MTPD districts, with an estimated 315 officers trained and equipped by the end of the summer.

    “At WMATA, we are committed to the safety and security of our customers, our employees and our officers. I am confident the new body-worn camera program will continue to build trust and confidence in the department’s work,” said MTPD Chief Michael Anzallo. “The research, data and feedback we’ve gathered from similar programs in the region have provided us with important insights that will strengthen the rollout of this important safety tool and enhance the overall success of our program.”

    The body-worn camera is a device with internal memory for storage of recorded audio and video. The cameras will be attached to the outer garments of MTPD officers to capture a forward-facing view. Video and audio recording can then be initiated by the officer at any time and includes a prerecording feature. At the start of any recording, MTPD officers will be required to inform individuals the audio and video of the situation is being recorded by the officer’s body-worn camera.

    A new MTPD policy has been established to ensure recordings, investigations and retention of records are conducted in accordance with best practices.

    The MTPD’s Community Services Bureau will begin working to ensure customers are educated and informed around the deployment, protocols and use of body-worn cameras.