Ashland police officers to wear body cams

The Ashland Police Department is the latest Mid-Missouri law enforcement agency to outfit its officers with body cameras. The body cams come at the same time state lawmakers pre-file a bill to require officers across the state to wear cameras while in the line of duty, in part, as a response to the Ferguson police shooting case.

Soon, the police officers patrolling the streets of Ashland will also be recording video and sound. “It’s independent evidence for whatever the case may be,” said Lyn Woolford, police chief for the city of Ashland.

Ashland police officials said the department has ordered body cameras for all of its officers. “It’s just a way for us to be transparent and fair and not have any question as to what’s going on with the Ashland police,” said Woolford.

Chief Woolford said that he’s ordered four cameras for the department, totaling more that $3,000. He said the terms of use are still being determined by the department, but anticipates the officers to have them recording while on calls. “I have a staff that’s welcomed to be transparent and understands the need and what this would provide not only for them but for the community and so we have full support from the staff,” said Woolford.

State lawmakers are also considering the issue. State Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal pre-filed a bill for the upcoming session. A section of the bill would require all law enforcement officers around the state to wear cameras which would record video and sound. In a statement, Chapelle-Nadal said “Audio and video from cameras do not lie. Too often police tell one story, while people tell another.”