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Resident raises oversight concerns about police body cameras; chief outlines department policy and complaint options
Summary
A public commenter criticized the city's proposed body-camera practice; the police chief described the department's current program and outlined complaint avenues including supervisors, the chief’s office and the on-duty commander.
A Federal Way resident on July 1 urged the council to strengthen oversight of police body‑worn cameras, saying current practices allow officers to record civilians on private property and that internal review rules limit accountability.
“Now, yes, police body cameras are a good thing if they're used properly. But the way that it's being implemented by this city is not exactly, well, it's not gonna be helpful for us,” public speaker Gary Grant told the council during public comment. He criticized rules that, in his view, permit recording on private property for noncriminal contacts and that limit use of video showing other officers.
Chief of Police responded that the department has used body‑worn cameras for more than three years and that the program “is going really well.” The chief said department policy follows national and state best practices and that officers are required to activate cameras for calls for service and traffic stops; the chief added that footage has helped prosecutions and de‑escalation. “Generally, when people are being recorded, they're usually on their best behavior,” the chief said.
The chief also outlined complaint and review options for residents: contact the patrol supervisor via ValleyComm, file a complaint at the police front counter, contact the office of the chief or request a policy review at a public meeting. Council members asked the resident to speak with Commander Tan or pursue the department’s formal complaint process for specific incidents.
The council did not take any formal action on the matter at the meeting; the chief offered to have department staff and Commander Tan follow up with the resident.
