Pasadena Police Oversight Commission Discusses New Cameras and New Commissioner

A parked Pasadena Police Car (Photo – PPD)

The Pasadena Community Police Oversight Commission received an update on AXON-3 Body Worn Cameras during their monthly March meeting.

By Cordell Johnson

The March meeting began with administrative updates including the status of the replacement of the commissioner who would represent District 6. Staff informed the commission that Councilmember Madison is currently in the process of looking for a replacement. Commissioners engaged in a brief discussion surrounding the required training that the commissioner would need to complete.

Update to the body worn camera policy

The meeting continued with Interim Pasadena Police Chief Cheryl Moody providing a presentation regarding an update to the body worn camera policy and upcoming changes for the Pasadena Police Department. Chief Moody informed the commission that the Pasadena Police Officers will be provided with Axon-3, which is the updated body–worn cameras that will be provided in the upcoming months. Some of the new features of the Axon includes performance software that allows for supervisors to review data on the officers’ use of their body worn camera. Additionally, the new Axon-3 includes a feature known as Signal Sidearm, which is an app that activated to record whenever an officer pulls their firearm from the holster. Chief Moody also explained that the cameras would be docked at the end of every shift and the information downloaded.

“We think that this is a great added feature” stated Interim Pasadena Police Chief Cheryl Moody “It helps us whenever there is a critical incident and the officer involved is either too stressed out or something else going and he or she fails to turn on their camera”. Chief Moody also informed the commission that this change will also be updated in the police department’s policy.

The Community Police Oversight will continue to meet on the first Thursday of the month at 6:00 pm.

Cordell Johnson is a Southern California native, hiking enthusiast and a longtime social justice activist.