Police Department Issues Body Worn Cameras to Officers

In July of 2021, the Police Department began testing body worn cameras for sworn personnel and in December, SBPD started outfitting its patrol officers with these cameras. Over the course of nearly two months, all field operation patrol officers and a majority of other divisional sworn personnel have been issued and are wearing the cameras in the field. Body worn cameras are attached to the exterior of the officer’s uniform in a conspicuous place. Police Officers are required to activate their individual body camera during all enforcement and investigative contacts, including stops and field interview situations. For a full review of the SBPD Portable and Mobile Audio/Video Recorder policy, go to Santa Barbara - Department Policies.