After years of delay, Portland has finally joined other major cities in rolling out body cameras for its police force—a crucial step towards increased accountability and transparency. This long-overdue change is now official, with all 800 officers equipped with body cameras as of August 2024.

Commissioner Mingus Mapps played a role in ensuring that this decade-old initiative moved forward with the backing that it needed. Portland first began exploring body cameras back in 2014, but negotiations stalled. Last year, Commissioner Mapps was involved in securing a breakthrough agreement that balanced police accountability with fair investigative processes. Under this agreement, officers must report their account of incidents involving the use of force before reviewing body camera footage on specific use of force incidents.

Thanks to these efforts, as of today body cameras are now part of the official uniform for all officers at the Portland Police Bureau. This advancement has been welcomed by both police officers and community advocates. A public information officer with the Central Precinct, described in a quote to local media that the moment was “a sigh of relief,” as he acknowledged that the cameras will enhance accountability on both sides, referencing how the cameras will not only address public calls for greater oversight but also help the public safety system respond directly to the facts of a given situation. Commissioner Mapps has echoed these sentiments, agreeing that this much-needed change is long overdue for our city.

By advocating for this program, Commissioner Mapps has demonstrated his commitment to improving trust and accountability in Portland's public safety system.