After months of testing the Turlock Police Department has begun using the body camera system approved by the Turlock City Council in June 2019.

The cost will be around $900,000 over a five-year period and will come from the department’s share of Proposition 172 funds and the Small Equipment Replacement and Realignment Fund. The cameras purchased from Axon Enterprises include all the associated hardware, software, cloud storage for the data and tasers.

The 82 cameras do far more than just capture an image. The system will allow are the department to conduct a more comprehensive review of critical incidents, assist in investigating complaints from community members, and give increased evidence for criminal prosecution.

Additionally, these body worn cameras are equipped with GPS location functions and automatic gunshot detection, which will increase officer safety. The gunshot detection technology will automatically start the recording from 30 seconds prior and will alert dispatch and command staff with the GPS location. The camera systems are also equipped with Bluetooth, so images will be viewable on the officers’ cell phones in real time.

The data generated by the body cameras is encrypted and cannot be altered, as such it can be used to document crime scenes and used in court proceedings.

“These body cameras are yet another tool that our officers will use in their investigations and further our transparency within our community,” said Interim Turlock Police Chief Miguel Pacheco.