Starting Today SCSO Deputies Will Begin Wearing Body Cameras

Word in from the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office that they have begun the rollout of body worn cameras for their deputies in the field. Here’s the update.

The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office is announcing the implementation of body worn cameras for all commissioned law enforcement personnel. Starting today, deputies in the Sheriff’s Office Violent Offender Task Force will begin wearing body worn cameras. Body worn cameras are used to improve transparency and accountability for both law enforcement and the community at large.

Throughout the first quarter of 2023, the Sheriff’s Office will continue to train and outfit all commissioned staff with body worn cameras. When arriving on scene at an incident, deputies will turn on their cameras and record both video and audio interactions.

“We are excited about this next step for our agency,” said Sheriff Adam Fortney. “I have been a longtime advocate for body cameras to increase public trust and transparency, improve officer safety and provide an accurate record of law enforcement interactions. I would like to thank the Deputy Sheriff’s Association for their collaboration and hard work developing our new body worn camera policy and helping us get these cameras on the streets as quickly as possible.”

This project involved collaboration between other county departments to include Snohomish County Purchasing and the Department of Information Technology.

“This is a welcome step in bringing additional transparency to interactions between Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and residents,” said Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers. “I appreciate our partnership with the Sheriff’s Office, and the work by everyone in the County to ensure our justice system is as equitable as possible. I look forward to the continued roll-out of the body worn cameras.”