New EPD body cameras have longer battery life and state of the art technology

Earlier this month, the Eureka Police Department was outfitted with the new V300 Body Worn Camera by WatchGuard and Motorola.  

40 new cameras and a three-year no-fault warranty were purchased at about $80,000 using general funds and a federal JAG grant.   

The new V300 cameras are replacing the previous WatchGuard Vista cameras that served the Eureka Police Department for almost 5 years.  The V300 cameras have a longer battery life at 12 hours and recording capabilities have greatly improved.  These improvements will better serve the 10 to 12 hour shifts that are worked.  

Captain Brian Stephens, who oversees EPD’s body-worn camera program, said:  “We will soon be entering our department’s 5th year of widely deploying body cameras with all of our field personnel.  These new cameras represent state-of-the art technology and will provide important audio/video evidence for our department for several years to come.  Our experience over the past few years has only reinforced our commitment to the body camera program and there are many benefits they bring to our department, officers, and community members.  These benefits include the collection of evidence for case prosecution, increased transparency and accountability, as well as more swift and sure resolutions to citizen concerns and complaints.”