Durham police to hold public forums on body cameras
DURHAM (WTVD) -- The Durham Police Department announced Friday they will hold six public forums this month regarding their potential use of body cameras.
DPD said they wanted to give citizens an opportunity to speak about the body cameras that could soon be standard issue for all patrol officers.
Police are currently field-testing for effectiveness.
"We've made it a priority to be transparent and to engage our community whenever important issues arise," Police Chief Jose L. Lopez Sr. said in a statement. "The feedback we get from the listening sessions will weigh heavily on any decision that is made in reference to body cameras. We want to hear directly from residents, and encourage them to voice their ideas, priorities and even concerns about the cameras."
The public forums will allow attendees to speak openly to police, but officers will not be able to answer questions about policy, protocols, and training, as they are still evaluating the cameras.
Police said the goal is to gather feedback from citizens about the potential pros and cons of body cameras.
The public listening forums will take place at the following times and locations:
Monday, May 11- Durham Public Schools Staff Development Center, 2107 Hillandale Road
6-7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 12- Antioch Baptist Church, 1415 Holloway Street
6-7:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 14- City Committee Room (2nd Floor), 101 City Hall Plaza
5:30-7 p.m.
Tuesday, May 19-Russell Memorial CME Church, 703 South Alston Avenue
6-7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 20-Durham Housing Authority (Crime Task Force), 330 East Main Street
10-11:30 a.m.
Thursday, May 28-Southwest Regional Library, 3605 Shannon Road
6-7:30 p.m.
