Dayton asks public to weigh-in on body cameras

Dayton police are asking for input from the public regarding the department’s decision to purchase body cameras for its officers, and how those cameras should be used.

A survey seeking feedback on body cameras went live Monday, and will be open online for Dayton residents until July 31. The questions gauge people’s feeling about police, their interactions with the community, how they think body cameras would help officers and when and where they should be used. The web address for how to take the survey is coupled with a flyer compiled by Dayton police, which includes background on what the cameras are and how they could be used as well as potential positives and negatives of using cameras.

It would cost Dayton at least $700,000 over the next three years to purchase and operate body cameras. The department applied for a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to potentially cover that cost. The feedback will be vital to determining if the cameras are wanted and needed, said Lt. Matthew Dickey.

“We do really want to understand that if this is not a major priority for the city, a major priority for the citizens, then we know to prioritize it that way,” he said.

Many citizens said they think the cameras will be a vital tool in adding transparency to police interactions within the community, as well as assist with recording evidence for criminal investigations.

“I think it would be worth the cost for the protection of police and for the protection of the people,” Gwen West said.

“There’s a lot of stuff going on in Dayton that’s not good,” Lisa Lunsford said. “I think (body cameras are) a good thing because that way (police) when they find out exactly what is going on, if there’s a fight or drug activity, they’ll be able to record it right there.”

Feedback from the survey will be compiled and released by police when they present their findings to the Dayton commissioners. Dickey said the department is still collecting data on the cameras, and would likely not purchase any equipment until next year.

To take the survey, visit www.Surveymonkey.com/s/DPDBodyCam.

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