The body camera pilot program has been postponed due to technical difficulties.
During today's training, the cameras and equipment were distributed. A technical problem arose with the wireless on/off switch that affected all of the test units.
The Department will resume the test pilot when the issue has been resolved.
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The St. Petersburg Police Department will test nine Axon body cameras with officers in the field for five weeks. This model is wireless and starts the camera (with a 30 sec. pre-roll) anytime the officer pulls his gun or deploys the taser. At the end of the testing period, Chief Holloway will present his findings and a cost analysis to the Mayor and City Council.
Monday, August 13th, Chief Holloway will be available to talk to any interested media between 12:30-1p.m. about the pilot program. Immediately following at 1 p.m., media will be able to record the first part of a training session with Axon representatives, as they show the officers how to use the cameras, how to download and tag the video, etc.
This will occur in the basement of Police HQ.
Any media planning to attend, please park on Central Avenue behind Police Headquarters. Call 893-7128 when you arrive, and we'll escort you in through the back door.
St. Petersburg Police Media Relations - (727) 893-7550
YOLANDA FERNANDEZ - Public Information Officer