Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40AMERICAN POLICE BEAT: JANUARY 2017 15 I n November, the Oklahoma City Fra- ternal Order of Po- lice (FOP) reached an agreement with the local police department to reinstate a body-worn camera pilot program. The Oklahoma City FOP has always supported us- ing body cams. Like many citizens, we believe they are a valuable tool to help create trust between the public and law enforcement. But we insisted that clear, negotiated rules be put in place before starting the pilot program. Over the last few years, we have all seen video of police officers in various jurisdictions in violent situa- tions. All of us understand that almost all police officers are dedicated, honorable men and women doing their best in a tough and dangerous job. But sometimes even well- meaning officers can violate policies or rules. Furthermore, situations often arise where it is hard to discern if an officer acted appropriately, because eyewitness accounts vary. When a confusing and chaotic incident takes place, body cameras may help set the record straight. They provide ob- jective information and more detail about what transpired. They can’t give the full circumstances in every case, but they represent one more way to save officers from false accusations as well as provide transparency and ac- countability to the public. The videos also can in- fluence future training and policy making. Police officers cannot safely and effectively do their jobs without public trust. We support this new tech- nology because it will give people even more reason to respect and honor law en- forcement officers. However, here in Oklahoma City management ini- tially implemented the pilot program without properly negotiating the pro- cedure. The FOP believed that this was a man- datory subject of bargaining, and an arbitrator agreed. The pro- gram was halted temporar- ily. Then, with input from many areas, the FOP worked with the city to develop the ground rules for body cams, including when they must and must not be activated. The process to develop guidelines governing the program demonstrated that municipal leaders and labor unions can come together to craft decisions in everyone’s best interest. As with any form of over- sight, it was important to our officers to put clear rules in place to protect our mem- bers. Body cams generate video and audio records. Before this agreement, it was not clear Oklahoma City FOP President John George insisted the city negotiate the terms of body cameras with the union. how those records would be used, or who would have access under what circum- stances. Now that our union and Police Chief Bill Citty have collectively defined those terms, we anticipate the reinstatement of the pro- gram. We expect a successful re- sult and look forward to the day when more officers head out on patrol with this additional layer of protection. The FOP believes this technology will enhance our ability to serve the public and enforce the law. We also believe the agreement will serve as a model that cities and states across the country can emulate. John George is a 26-year law enforcement veteran. He is presi- dent of the Oklahoma City Frater- nal Order of Police, Lodge 123. We expect a successful result and look forward to the day when more officers head out on patrol with this additional layer of protection. How we negotiated a body cams policy Police unions increasingly influential in terms of management policies by John George TAKE COMMAND OF YOUR CAREER Unlock Your Potential with a Master’s in Law Enforcement & Public Safety Leadership — 100% Online  31-unit program can be completed in 20 months Top 100 university  All coursework presented online by top-ranking instructor practitioners  Discounts for law enforcement association/union members CriminalJustice.SanDiego.edu | (888) 832-0239 Great Leaders Start Here