(Seguin) — There are now more watchful eyes whenever a Seguin Police Officer engages with the public. The Seguin PD has officially rolled out its newest fleet of 10 Tahoe’s each having the latest in state-of-the-art video equipment. This latest batch of patrol units comes equipped with WatchGuard dash cameras — cameras that are said to also work seamlessly with new WatchGuard body-worn cameras.
Assistant Police Chief Rusty Suarez says the upgraded video equipment is the latest effort by the Seguin PD to increase its transparency when officers are dispatched across the city.
“Not only do we have a video from our car point of view but now, we have an actual officer point of view so
you actually get that interaction up close and personal and you see all the movements or gestures or any kind of interaction that the officer and the person kind of partake in. It’s just an overall view that way we can have clear transparency with what’s going on and that way we can just see exactly how officers responded,” said Suarez.
Suarez says the camera system will not only enhance police operations but he believes it will help maintain the safety of both police officers and civilians.
“It’s amazing when someone finds out that they are actually being recorded because we are used to people pulling out their phones and saying ‘hey, we are recording’ and that’s totally fine. If you feel it’s necessary, you need to do what you have to do. However, when they see that we are recording them as well, it changes their tone and behavior and now we are on somewhat the equal playing field so they’ll be more upfront and honest as well as far as interaction. It’s definitely a safety thing as well,” said Suarez.
Suarez says the WatchGuard cameras also allow for more intake of each police interaction whether it be at a crime scene or routine traffic stop.
What’s awesome about this system is it gives you four different views so you have the actual dashcam mount on a regular angle. You have a wide angle. You have the actual body cam view and then you have the rear camera views in case we have to transfer a prisoner or we have to put someone in the back seat,” said Suarez.
Police Chief Terry Nichols says law enforcement technology is constantly evolving making this latest equipment on local streets that much more important. He especially thanks city leaders for their continued support to ensure the best “possible video technology in the field.”
Suarez says in the end, it’s all about transparency, the ability to document evidence for criminal prosecution and the safety of everyone that is involved.
“It’s there to protect both parties. It’s not in favor for one or the other. It just actually displays what’s going on,” said Suarez.
While the department has only added the new WatchGuard in-car updated cameras to the 10 new Tahoe’s, all patrol personnel will be using the body-worn cameras. PD officials say WatchGuard in-car cameras will continue to be installed in all new vehicles as they are acquired and assigned to patrol personnel over the next few years.