Experts say police body cameras aim to change behavior on ‘both sides of the badge’ [photos, video]

Chattanooga Police Lt. Mark Smeltzer demonstrates where the body camera is worn at the Police Services Center on Tuesday, July 25, in Chattanooga, Tenn.

By Emmett Gienapp July 29, 2017 6 min read

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Coming into focus: Experts say police body cameras aim to change behavior on ‘both sides of the badge’

A Chattanooga Police Department body camera sits in its docking station at the Police Services Center on Tuesday, July 25, in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Chattanooga Police Lt. Mark Smeltzer holds a body camera as he discusses them at the Police Services Center on Tuesday, July 25, in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Chattanooga Police Department body cameras rest in their docks at the Police Services Center on Tuesday, July 25, in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Chattanooga Police Lt. Mark Smeltzer reaches for a body camera at the Police Services Center on Tuesday, July 25, in Chattanooga, Tenn.

The next time you’re pulled over by an officer or have an encounter with police, remember to smile for the camera.

Over the last several months, the Chattanooga Police Department has gradually rolled out its newest equipment – 736 personal body cameras, two for each officer, which will record interactions within the communities they serve.

In December, the Chattanooga City Council voted 9-0 to allow then-police Chief Fred Fletcher to enter into a five-year, $2.2 million contract with a private equipment company to provide the body cameras and storage.

Now several hundred cameras are strapped to the chests of Chattanooga police officers who are using them daily.

“Anytime they’re conducting law enforcement action, their cameras should be rolling,” said Lt. Mark Smeltzer, who is in charge of the department’s body cameras.