Body-Worn Cameras

Beginning May 2022, the Village of Flossmoor Police Department began a Body-Worn Camera program for the entire Police Department. Nationwide, the use of body-worn cameras has become a common practice for police departments and seven states now mandate statewide use of body-worn cameras by law enforcement officers. As part of the criminal justice reform bill HB 3653, recently signed by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, Illinois requires every police officer in the state to wear a body camera by 2025.

Law enforcement agencies use body-worn cameras for a number of different reasons, including improving evidence collection, strengthening officer performance and accountability, enhancing transparency, and assisting in the investigation of complaints, among others. Studies have shown that the presence of a body-worn camera has a positive effect on the behavior of both officers and citizens during encounters [Police Executive Research Forum; 2014]. A body-worn camera is another of many tools available to an officer, but it should not be considered a total solution.

Flossmoor Police Department Body-worn Camera Policy

Frequently Asked Questions

Seven states now mandate the statewide use of body-worn cameras by law enforcement officers. Those states are Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico and South Carolina. As part of the criminal justice reform bill HB 3653 recently signed by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, every police officer in the state will be required to wear a body camera by 2025. 

Among the police executives whose departments use body-cameras, there is an overall perception that the cameras provide a useful tool for law enforcement. These agencies cite perceived benefits that include capturing video of critical incidents and encounters with the public, strengthening public accountability, and providing a valuable new type of evidence. [Police Executive Research Forum; published 2014]

The Flossmoor Police Department BWC policy is available for review in its entirety below.