2025 WCSO Annual Report - Flipbook - Page 7
2025 WCSO Annual Report | 5
BODY-WORN CAMERAS
Accountability and Safety
Supporting Accountability and Trust
BWCs capture both video and audio, providing
important context that cannot always be seen
through fixed cameras or written reports alone. When
questions or concerns arise, BWC footage helps clarify
what occurred, supports timely review, and allows
issues to be addressed accurately and fairly. In many
cases, footage helps resolve complaints quickly and
transparently.
Body Worn Cameras in the Jail
As part of its ongoing commitment to accountability
and safety, WCSO is expanding the use of BWCs within
the Washington County Jail. The jail presents unique
challenges, including close-contact interactions and
high-stress situations that can escalate quickly. BWCs
help document these interactions, enhance safety, and
support consistent professional standards.
Improving Safety, Training, and
Performance
Beyond accountability, BWCs are an important
safety and training tool. Clear documentation helps
identify effective practices, highlight opportunities
for coaching, and reinforce professional standards.
Footage can be used to improve responses, strengthen
de-escalation skills, and support continuous learning
across the organization.
As public safety continues to evolve, WCSO remains
focused on using tools that support accountability,
safety, and trust — for everyone involved.
One staff member shared how
body-worn cameras make a difference:
“Without audio, fixed cameras
didn’t always tell the full story.
Body-worn cameras capture tone,
context, and truth — and that
makes all the difference.”
