Washington County Sheriff's Office Body Camera Implementation

This case study outlines the implementation of the Versaterm Visual Labs body camera solution by the Washington County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) in Minnesota. The objective was to enhance the capabilities of deputies by providing a multi-functional tool that reduces the amount of equipment they carry. The study group, led by Commander Andrew Ellickson, evaluated various systems before selecting the Versaterm solution, which utilizes Android smartphones for capturing video, photographs, and audio recordings. The implementation process involved a train-the-trainer session, enabling all 135 devices to be configured and deployed within 45 days. The project included community engagement through public hearings and discussions with the agency's union regarding policy and privacy concerns. The case study also highlights the affordability of the system, with negligible upfront costs and low recurring expenses, as well as additional benefits such as real-time location tracking of deputies, enhancing officer safety and resource allocation analysis.