O’Fallon Police Body Worn Camera Program

O’Fallon, Illinois – The City of O’Fallon is excited to announce the implementation of the O’Fallon Police Department’s Body Worn Camera Program.   In early July, the department began researching body worn cameras and obtained bids from various companies.  After an extensive research and an evaluation period, the department decided on the Axon 3 Body Camera from Axon Enterprise.  Axon is the nationwide leader in body worn cameras and is the company that brought the Taser to the market.   

“This is another example of the leadership position of the O’Fallon Police Department,” said Mayor Herb Roach. “O’Fallon’s Police Department is the most professional, well-trained, and passionate departments in the State of Illinois.”  

The O’Fallon Police Department’s use of body worn video camera technology will be a valuable tool in accurately documenting events, actions, conditions, and statements made during investigative stops, field interviews, arrests, and critical incidents. 

Body cameras are a valuable asset intended to assist department officers in the prosecution of certain offenders by augmenting an officer’s testimony with a video/audio record of the incident. Although it does not capture everything the officer sees, it will be beneficial for court and will document a clearer picture of what happened during an incident. 

The use of the cameras increases transparency and provides an opportunity to capture the good work that the police officers do on a daily basis.  Additionally, this equipment will enable department administrators to conduct periodic reviews of officer-citizen contacts, for quality control purposes and will aid in the investigation of citizen complaints.

After receiving training, all officers will be issued a body camera and will be wearing it while in uniform.  The program became operational the week of October 19, 2020.  

“We have always strived to deliver exemplary service to our community while maintaining a high level of professionalism and transparency.  Body Cameras will be a valuable tool to help us continue this mission.”  Chief Eric Van Hook stated. 

The cost of the body cameras will be funded through seized funds with a possibility of grant funding in Spring 2021.  The initial cost of the cameras and hardware totaled $46,845 with annual licensing and storage costs of $14,500. 

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For more information please contact Captain Kirk Brueggeman at 618-624-4545 or email at [email protected].