Police begin training, use of body cameras

Hoover police officers began training on Tuesday, June 30, in the use of body cameras. Police spokesperson Capt. Gregg Rector said some of the cameras will be deployed this week.

The police department has purchased 90 of the cameras, enough to outfit every uniformed officer. They are being trained in small groups to become familiar with the camera policy and operating the equipment, as well as downloading their footage at the end of each shift. Rector said training takes about one to two hours per officer, and they will begin using the cameras on shift as they complete training.

“It’ll take a little while to get everyone trained,” Rector said. “It’s going to be a great tool. I think it’ll make us better at our job.”

Within a few weeks, Rector expects training to be complete and the cameras will be fully deployed among the officers. The camera footage will be important in documenting arrests, traffic stops and other police activity. It will also be beneficial in handling complaints against the department.

“It’s going to give us a clear picture if there’s ever any doubt as to what happened,” Rector said. “That’s what we want.”