Starting in September, all officers from the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife WDFW will wear body cameras.
On August 26, WDFW announced that the body-worn cameras will be required for all 152 commissioned law enforcement officers beginning September 1.
The decision aims to enhance accountability, transparency, and safety. After a thorough trial and evaluation, both WDFW officers and stakeholders agreed to implement the technology.
“This program strengthens our commitment to our core values and our mission to protect natural resources and the public, said WDFW Police Chief Steve Bear. Equipping our officers with body-worn cameras will help us build trust and relationships across Washington.
The $915,000 budget for the program was included in the state’s 2023-2025 supplemental operating budget.