Balch Springs PD Equips Officers With Body Cams
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BALCH SPRINGS (CBSDFW.COM) – The Balch Springs Police Department is the latest in North Texas to equip its officers with body cameras. At $250 a camera, it's an investment officers say is well worth it.
"So far we are really happy with them," says Lt. Mark Maret with the Balch Springs Police Department.
A dramatic face off was recorded on a Balch Springs officer's body camera. It's the first life or death encounter captured by the department's new HD body cams. The video shows an extraordinary perspective on the difficult decisions officers are forced to make daily.
The officer is heard several times telling a car theft suspect to lie on the ground. But the suspect doesn't obey the commands.
He eventually turns and runs away and a foot chase ensues. Police eventually caught the suspect who was booked on multiple charges.
But not every interaction between police and criminals is so cut and dry. And when that's the case, officers say they're pleased the body cams are there to show what really happens. They consider the cameras an asset, not an adversary.
"If somebody accuses me of wrongdoing and I'm innocent I can show the courts and my supervisors," says Ofc. Jared Traughber with the Balch Springs Police Department. "It protects us and holds us accountable the same time."
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