The Bozeman Police Department is pleased to announce that we have begun implementing the use of body worn cameras, the culmination of a couple years of planning, budgeting, and community engagement.

In order to ensure the program is working properly, the department will be using a tiered approach, starting with the patrol sergeants. Once the sergeants are familiar with the cameras and the system is determined to be working properly, all patrol officers will begin wearing the cameras. Soon after, the program will be expanded to include detectives and selected civilian staff.

The body worn cameras work in conjunction with the patrol car video systems and the new interview room camera system at the Bozeman Public Safety Center. Having these system combined will increase efficiency and allow videos related to a specific call for service or case to be stored together.

One the right side of this page, under “Documents,” you can view the policy that now covers the use of body worn cameras. The policy describes when to record, when not to record, special considerations, the preservation of recordings, and the use and dissemination of recordings.

The Bozeman Police Department appreciates the community’s feedback as this program has been developed and implemented.

Since March, various members of the Bozeman Police Department have had the opportunity to speak with a wide variety of groups and individuals about the new body worn camera program. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with the community clearly understanding the benefits of this tool.

As of June, the video systems in the patrol cars have been changed over to Getac, the new body worn camera vendor. Getac interview room systems are also currently being installed in the new Bozeman Public Safety Center. These two systems will work alongside the body worn cameras to more efficiently capture, store, and organize videos related to a specific call for service or case.

In addition to these efforts, the department has been putting together the policy that will cover body worn camera and other recording devices. The policy describes when to record, when not to record, special considerations, the preservation of recordings, and the use and dissemination of recordings. This policy has been crafted from a variety of sources, including model policies, other agency policies, officer input, and community feedback. The policy draft is available in the "Documents" section over on the right hand side of this page.

As we move closer to the implementation of this program around the end of August, please do not hesitate to reach out with any additional questions or concerns at BWC@bozeman.net.

Welcome! Over the next several months we'll be sharing information with you about Body Worn Cameras (BWCs) and why it's important that this tool is going to be used by the Bozeman Police later this year. You'll find videos, pictures, and more uploaded on Engage Bozeman periodically, as well as on our social media channels (Facebook and Instagram @BozemanPolice.)

The goal is for you to be informed and have a space to ask your questions about this new thing. In addition to sharing out information we'll also be out in the community talking to different groups, hosting events, and coming to YOU to spread the word. Our first event is our monthly Coffee with a Cop happening Thursday March 24th from 9 - 11 a.m. at the Gallatin History Museum!

We encourage you to reach out to us, use the features on Engage Bozeman, and inform those around you about what's happening. Check out this update from Chief Jim Veltkamp!

Body Worn Cameras in Schools

An important aspect to consider during the implementation of body worn cameras is how they will be utilized in schools.

What is the Bozeman Police Department’s presence in public schools today? How will Body Worn Cameras be used?

The Bozeman Police Department currently has four School Resource Officers and one School Resource Sergeant assigned to the Bozeman School District. During a typical day, their duties include mentoring, education, and enforcement. Due to the complex and varied tasks they perform, it is important to ensure the proper balance is struck between ensuring student privacy and documenting incidents. To that end, we will be meeting with the school district to ensure we come up with the best possible plan that accomplishes these goals and abides by District policies.

How does the Bozeman Police Department work with Montana State University?

Officers frequently respond to Montana State University to work in conjunction with the MSU Police Department (MSUPD.) We will also be meeting with representatives from MSU to ensure we abide by their policies, match MSUPD’s practices, and strike the property balance between privacy and documentation.

How will Body Worn Cameras work in private schools?

There are a variety of private educational facilities in Bozeman. Input will be sought from these organizations as well before final decisions are made regarding how these cameras will be used in private schools.