‘Transparency,’ ‘Evidence’: Del City Gets Body-Cameras For Officers

The Del City Police Department wants to help the community see officers perform behind the scenes. They have a new tool to help them offer that transparency. This program is not new technology, but it's new for Del City. 

“I feel like this is my community and I love the people that live here,” said Maj. Brad Cowden, with the Del City Police Department. 

“Just a lifelong dream of mine,” said Cowden, about pursuing a career in law enforcement. 

Lieutenant Ronnie Neal’s inspiration comes from his dad. 

“My dad was a deputy sheriff. He passed away in 2016,” Neal said. “I’ve had a passion for law enforcement since I was a kid.”  

These gentlemen want to bring their community along for this ride.  

“We jumped at the opportunity,” Cowden said. 

Every officer has a camera on their chest to capture these moments.   

“Probably one of the most important tools that we’ve implemented here in many years,” Cowden said. 

Cowden said this tool means one thing, “Transparency.”  

“It will cut back on the word of mouth. [It’s] evidence,” Neal said. 

A look behind the scenes to let the public know the truth behind every call. 

“To ensure that they’re doing what they’re supposed to be doing in the field correctly and safely,” Cowden said. 

The cameras provide insight into their system, when it works and when it doesn’t.   

“It can also exonerate officers who are falsely accused of things,” Cowden said. “We have to be able to accept when we don’t do something right and improve on it.”  

Video offers a chance to show how police make Del City a safer place.  

“You get to choose what kind of difference you make in people’s lives every day,” Cowden said. 

The total cost for the body-camera system was about $300,000, but the department says it’s a positive investment to improve police response.