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Maui police complete test of body cameras

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  • ASSOCIATED PRESS / DEC. 11
    A Philadelphia police officer demonstrates the use of a body-worn camera. The Hono­lulu Police Department is reviewing how agencies on the mainland are handling the devices.

Maui police completed a 30-day trial of body cameras worn by officers, who reported "positive feedback," according to a news release.

Ten volunteer officers wore the cameras  that fit on uniforms or sunglasses in an experiment that began April 6.

The officers tested the camera’s ease of use; quality of audio and video; and connectivity and the software of the equipment..

The department is continuing to "research alternative body-worn camera vendors, feasibility issues and funding resources," the news release said.

A vendor, Taser International, loaned the cameras to the department at no cost, the Maui News reported. The Axon Body camera clips to the front of a uniform and provides a 130-degree view. The Axon Flex camera can be clipped to sunglasses or a uniform collar or lapel. It offers a 75-degree view.

Police consulted with the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers union, the county prosecutor’s office and corporation counsel to provide guidelines for camera use, including when to turn them on and off.

The cameras carry a list price of $399 and $599, but the largest expense is for data storage.

Last week, the Kauai County Council unanimously approved the Police Department’s request to purchase 105 Axon Flex cameras and mounts. The purchase of the cameras is part of an Officers Safety Package deal from the company that includes unlimited video storage for the body cameras and 105 X26P Tasers, battery packs and holsters.

To cover the normal wear and tear of the equipment, the package also covers warranty services to replace the body cameras at 30 months and five years and the Tasers at five years.

According to the Police Department, the actual cost of all the equipment is $355,568. Taser offered a package deal at $176,718. The Police Department is expected to receive a credit for $127,242 for 67 analog Tasers purchased earlier this year that will be returned.

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