Roswell Police Department (RPD) Chief Phil Smith is speaking out about his disappointment with the department's body camera supplier, according to KOB 4.
This move comes after several documented problems with the cameras, which were supplied by WatchGuard.
"We started out with 75 units; we went to 40 units because they just weren't downloading and they weren’t taking the charge," Smith said. "The other stuff we can handle, but now we are down to 22. So, we're concerned."
The department started using body cameras in 2015 in order to create an increased sense of accountability and trust in the community. The cameras also provide evidence for use in court and record law enforcement officials' interactions with the public, KOB 4 reported.
The body cameras were purchased for $100,000; the department has had issues with the cameras since their purchase. These issues include not holding a charge and not uploading videos plus a lack of IT support, which is necessary to diagnose and fix the issues.
Police officers are required to wear body cameras when interacting with the public under New Mexico law, according to KOB 4. The RPD might soon find it difficult to comply with this state statute due to the decrease in available and functioning units.
The department is now looking into its old body camera provider, Axon, in order to increase reliability. Officials want to reinstate trust in the local police department and avoid being in active violation of state law.
