The Asheville Police Department would like to make citizens aware that beginning the week of July 4, the members of the Asheville Police Department’s Housing Unit will participate in a 30-day trial of the Body Worn Camera (BWC) Program. This unit was chosen for the trial period because of their high level of contact with the public.
In adherence to the Asheville Police Department’s Body Worn Camera policy, Officers will activate the BWC to record all contacts with citizens in the performance of official duties. Once the camera is activated it will remain on and activated until the officer’s direct participation in the incident has concluded. Officers will inform individuals that they are being recorded, unless otherwise unsafe to do so.
This trial will allow APD to evaluate the body worn cameras for any technical, equipment or policy issues that may need to be addressed before implementing the remaining cameras to specialty units and patrol districts in August.
Anyone with any questions or concerns regarding the body worn camera program can contact Deputy Chief Wade Wood at 828-259-5885 or wwood@ashevillenc.gov. A copy of the draft policy governing the use and access of video footage is available on the Asheville Police Department’s website. Here is a link to the Asheville Police Department Draft Body Worn Camera Policy.