The two largest law enforcement agencies in the Houston area are implementing new measures to enhance transparency, officials announced Thursday, focusing on the use of body-worn cameras.
At an afternoon press briefing, Houston Police Chief Troy Finner revealed that the department is revising its policy to ensure that body cameras remain continuously recording. had reported on the modification the previous week.
This adjustment follows two police shootings in December 2023 that went undocumented by the officers involved due to their body cameras not being activated.
While officers are mandated to activate their cameras, Finner acknowledged that there may be instances of failure under stress. As a backup measure, a feature called “record after the fact” will be implemented.
Finner clarified, “It’s not to spy on our officers. It’s not. It’s to capture those police encounters that were missed.” He emphasized the importance of utilizing technology to craft policies and acquire necessary footage to foster trust.
The new policy has already been implemented and is applicable only to “critical incidents” such as shootings, according to Finner.
Meanwhile, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office is in the process of equipping all jailers with body cameras.
Jason Spencer, Chief of Staff at HCSO, reported that 400 cameras have been distributed, with an additional 1,600 set to be deployed by summer to “enhance transparency.”
Since 2021, approximately 65 individuals have died while in custody, including Jaquaree Simmons, who was allegedly beaten to death according to court documents.
Eric Morales, a detention officer at the time, faces manslaughter charges in connection with Simmons’ death. Larhonda Biggles, Simmons’ mother, expressed skepticism about the $4.8 million expenditure on cameras, suggesting alternative uses for the funds.
“I don’t think it’s going to help,” Biggles stated. “They have cameras all over the jail, and that didn’t help my child.”
