City of Columbia Missouri Police Department

600 E. Walnut Street
Columbia, MO 65201

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 24, 2014

CONTACT: Officer Latisha Stroer, Public Information Officer
Columbia Police Department
(573)874-7448
[email protected]create new email

COLUMBIA POLICE DEPARTMENT INTRODUCES A NEW PIECE OF EQUIPMENT

(COLUMBIA, MO) -

The Columbia Police Department has an obligation to research new technology that improves our abilities to provide quality and safe services to our community. The Columbia Police Department started in 2011 purchasing two body camera units for the downtown division for testing purposes. Per the direction of Chief Burton in 2013, several officers started testing and evaluating several different body cameras from different manufacturers. We are the first law enforcement agency in Missouri to fully implement this technology.

 The Columbia Police Department is excited to announce at the conclusion of the yearlong testing, officers and command staff chose the AXON TASER Body camera system for the following reasons:

  • 30 second pre-event recording
  • Night resolution
  • 130 degree lens
  • Only camera with battery life to last our 12 hour shifts
  • Easy use with Evidence.com

We feel these cameras will support our mission by:

  • Providing additional evidence to support prosecution
  • Increasing plea agreements, thus reducing the volume of cases in the system and providing cost savings across the board
  • Increase transparency and accountability
  • Assist in the resolution of complaints
  • Increasing efficiency and security in handling of evidence

 Associated costs (purchase made using cost savings from 2012 budget)

  • Cameras, hardware, installation and Evidence.com licenses $110k
  • Yearly Evidence.com cost $40k 


City of Columbia Vision
Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.

City of Columbia Mission
To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.

-30-