Portland Police Equip Officers with Body Cameras in Major Policy Shift

The rollout, starting at Central Precinct, aims to enhance transparency and accountability across the city.

110 officers at Central Precinct now wear body cameras, with full deployment across all precincts by late August.
The initiative follows a decade-long debate and a federal mandate to improve compliance with use-of-force regulations.
Body cameras will activate during critical incidents, such as drawing a firearm or activating emergency lights.
Officers must provide a recorded account before reviewing footage in cases involving injury or death.
The policy aims to rebuild trust between the police and community, amid cautious public optimism.