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Seventy officers of the US. Capitol Police began wearing body cameras on Tuesday, marking the start of a six-month trial aimed at bolstering public trust. Additionally, the program has extended to include the installation of automatic dashcams in eleven USCP vehicles.

These officers, who volunteered for the program, mainly operate in roles involving significant public interaction. Chief Tom Manger strongly supported the initiative, stating, “I was confident that the cameras would do two things. First, they would remind the public just how challenging the law enforcement profession can be. Second, the cameras would also showcase the great work our cops do day in and day out. This is a great accountability tool for everyone.”

However, the use of these cameras has its limits. The Capitol Police clarified that body cameras will not be operational inside the Capitol building or during any interactions with members of Congress, a measure taken to safeguard legislators.

At the conclusion of the pilot program, the Capitol Police leadership plans to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of expanding body camera usage department-wide. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance Capitol security and improve the force’s transparency and accountability, especially in the aftermath of January 6th.