SPUSD board gets update on use of
police department body cameras
October 28, 2015
By Brian D. Wilson
Santa Paula News
Santa Paula Police Commander Ish Cordero has updated the Governing Board of the Santa Paula Unified School District on the use of body cameras by officers, including School Resource Officers (SROs).
Effective November 1, SROs will be wearing the cameras when on school campuses. Cordero said a $30,000 donation from the Santa Paula Police and Fire Foundation made the purchase of the cameras possible.
Cordero told the board, “The use of recorders is intended to enhance the mission of the Santa Paula Police Department by accurately capturing contacts between members of the Department and public.” He added that the cameras will provide transparency and maintain credibility, in addition to providing indisputable video evidence.
He noted that the recordings are the property of the police department and he said that officers are not required to give notice when recording but they are encouraged to do so when they feel it might be of benefit and will not interfere with their investigation or safety.
SPUSD Superintendent Alfonso Gamino said, in a letter to parents, “The Santa Paula Police Department believes that use of body cameras provides transparency, maintains credibility, and enhances accountability of all stakeholders. Recordings become the property of the City of Santa Paula and access is restricted for official purposes only. Whenever the school resource officer has recorded an incident, that officer will inform the principal that recording has occurred.”
Board member Christina Urias was concerned that only a letter was going to parents. “We need more than a letter,” she said. She said presentations should be made to various groups, including the Rotary Club, Latino Town Hall and others. Cordero said he would be happy to talk to any interested groups about the cameras.
