T
Body Worn Cameras in Golden
he Golden Police Department is proud to announce that Body Worn Cameras (BWC) are now part of all 52 sworn officers’ uniforms as of March 2021. Our policy has been reviewed and meets all legal requirements as outlined in Senate Bill 20-217 Enhancing Law Enforcement Integrity. The policy can be viewed on our website at www.cityofgolden. net/pd-policies-procedures-training. Officers will activate cameras when responding to calls for service or during any interaction with the public initiated by the officer, whether the contact is voluntary or involuntary and for the purpose of enforcing the law or investigating possible violations of the law. Officers will have discretion to turn the camera on during other citizen contacts or official duty circumstances, or to turn the camera off to protect sensitive information, privacy of individuals or confidentiality concerns. After careful consideration, the department moved forward with Axon Enterprise Inc., as the chosen vendor and was able to reach a 10-year $934,269.09 contract for services and equipment. Axon provides full data collection and storage using Evidence.com which offers safe, unlimited data storage and other needed functionality for a successful program. Axon also offers equipment that will automatically activate the camera if a conducted energy weapon (Taser) and/or handgun are pulled from the holster.
Studies across the nation have shown that the presence of BWC's strengthens accountability and assists in de-escalating conflicts between police and members of the community. The department is seeking to enhance our high level of community trust by providing this technology to our members. We hope that the program will improve faith in the police function for the community, provide a useful tool for documenting evidence, provide an opportunity for training officers, and foster an environment of mutual respect during interactions with community. For more information about the program and for any questions, visit www.goldenpolice.net.
Golden PD launches new website with the CRIMEWATCH Network
T
he Golden Police Department has launched a new website at www.goldenpolice.net, providing the Golden community a more effective way e-mail alerts regarding crime to help fight crime and stay informed. committed in certain areas. Developed in partnership with CRIMEWATCH Technologies, the new • Submit a tip to local law enforcement. website is part of the CRIMEWATCH Network, a communications platform • View recent arrests and “most developed specifically for law wanted” lists. enforcement agencies. The new platform • Register camera and alarm systems. has many new features that will help • Share information with others the public stay involved with safety in through social media. their neighborhoods, and strengthen • Get connected with resources and the already great partnership our police services. department has with the community. You can also download CRIMEWATCH Visit www.goldenpolice.net, and you Mobile from the Apple App Store or can now do the following: • Sign up for a free account to receive Android App Store to connect quickly
8 | June 2021
and easily with your mobile device. According to Police Chief Bill Kilpatrick, "This new website is the perfect entry point for establishing better police and public partnerships. Technology gives us the opportunity to streamline communications with the public, improve transparency, and strengthen our already great partnerships within the community… several police departments throughout the country are having remarkable success using this technology.” Golden Police Department is the second Colorado agency to go live on the CRIMEWATCH Network. Visit www.goldenpolice.net and let us know what you think!