Overview
- The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services finished systemwide implementation of body-worn cameras on July 2, 2026, after about two years of testing and a May start to the full rollout.
- Officials reported a 34% drop in all recorded assaults in July 2026 compared with July 2025 and called July the lowest month for assaults since 2023.
- Guards must activate cameras for individual escorts, large group movements like meals or recreation, and major disturbances, while recordings are not required during medical appointments.
- The department signed a 10-year contract with Axon that costs about $4.1 million per year and stores footage indefinitely on a cloud platform for use in complaints, investigations, and prosecutions.
- Line officers say the cameras have changed inmate behavior and increased officers’ sense of safety, but officials also note the reported improvements reflect only the first month after rollout and require more time to verify lasting effects.