Leechburg adopts policies for body, in-car cameras for police

The adoption of two new policies governing the use of police body cams and in-car cameras will allow Leechburg police to begin using the technology.

The two policies were approved by the Fraternal Order of Police in regard to its more than 373,000 members in more than 2,200 lodges, said Leechburg Mayor Doreen Smeal.

“I would like to adopt these policies so we can start using this equipment,” Smeal said before the policy vote.

Council members had been developing the policy with the FOP for months.

“I’m happy we’re finally there,” said councilman Chuck Pascal.

Councilman DJ Zelczak said he wants to “get them into effect as soon as possible.”

The body-worn camera policy states the use of the camera will be incident specific. The public will be told when they’re being recorded, either before the recording starts or when it’s safe to do so. Recordings will have a seven-day retention standard that can be shortened or lengthened depending on the specific situations being recorded.

In cases of an officer-involved shooting, in-custody death or other officer-involved incidents that result in serious injury or death, the body camera footage or audio will be reviewed at the police chief’s request.

Body cameras will not be used in places where privacy is “assumed,” such as changing rooms, locker rooms or restrooms. Officers will return their body cameras at the end of each shift, and footage from the day will be uploaded to a computer.

Leechburg officers also will begin using in-car video systems.

Much like the body cameras, the vehicle recordings will be submitted to department supervisors at the end of each shift.

When activating recordings, audio and visuals of an event will be documented. Officers are required to record traffic stops, priority responses, vehicle pursuits, prisoner transports and crimes in progress.

Smeal said there will be a call with Motorola for training on how to use the equipment.