Keizer Council OKs purchase of body-worn cameras after grant match

The Keizer City Council on Monday voted unanimously, with two members absent, to authorize the chief of police to buy body-worn cameras and associated equipment for the police department.

Council President Starr moved the resolution authorizing the purchase, which Councilors approved by voice vote. The purchase will be made with funds that include a grant match the department identified at about $38,000.

The resolution covers 25 body-worn cameras intended to provide each patrol officer with a personal device as well as equipment for traffic officers and community service officers. Lieutenant Hein, the staff lead on the project, told council the 25 cameras would allow “each patrol officer their own camera” and include two additional units that could be assigned to detectives or supervisors as needed.

“The goal for the folks out on the road for the majority of the shifts is to get each patrol officer their own camera, and that would be enough,” Lieutenant Hein said.

Council members pressed staff on contract details and long-term costs. Starr asked about the discrepancy between 25 physical cameras and 30 software subscriptions listed in the vendor quote; Lieutenant Hein explained the subscription count covers multiple device types and in-car systems tied to the same vendor platform.

Lieutenant Hein and Chief Copeland also described the vendor proposal as a five-year package that includes a three-year camera refresh and warranty coverage. The package also provides cloud storage for body-worn camera footage and integration with the city’s in-car camera system so footage from both sources will be stored in the same cloud environment. Hein said the in-car storage line-item on the quote was currently priced for two years, while the body-worn camera storage was included for five years.

Chief Copeland praised the work by staff securing the grant and aligning the equipment with existing in-car cameras. “It just kind of all syncs together,” Chief Copeland said, adding that the equipment will improve department accountability and public safety.

Staff said the city’s property and evidence personnel will manage incoming digital evidence and share footage with prosecutors or other agencies as requested. Amanda Hague, the department’s property and evidence specialist, was cited by staff as part of the team that evaluated how agencies share footage with district attorneys.

The resolution passed unanimously by voice vote; the city record states “motion passes unanimously with 2 absent,” referring to Councilors Cross and Parsons.

Council members and staff said they will return to council with any required procurement documentation and implementation steps.