Louisiana State Police To Equip Troopers With New HD Body Cameras

Louisiana State Police (LSP) announced today that they are making an effort to improve transparency, by equipping Troopers throughout the state with new TASER’s “Axon Body 2” body cams.  This will reportedly be the first of its kind among state public safety agencies in the country.  The LSP will purchase over 1,500 body cameras and will ultimately be about to outfit more than 700 Patrol and special assignment Troopers.

While Trooper interactions with the public usually takes place during traffic stops in front of their vehicles and current in-car camera system,  a lot of times their day-to-day activities put them out of filming sight.  For the protection and safety of our Troopers and the public, the need for this type of equipment has increased.

Earlier this year a pilot program was launched with twenty-two Troopers across the state, to put the Axon Body 2” cameras to the test.  These Troopers’ had a variety of duties ranging from foot patrol on Bourbon St, to vehicle patrols in rural North Louisiana. The cams passed with flying colors.  The LSP will continue to utilize their in-car cams.

Colonel Edmonson said today at press time, “Nothing is more important than the safety of the public we serve and the Troopers committed to that service. We must ensure that we maintain transparency and accountability through proper training, sound procedures and the latest technology.” He continued, “For nearly twenty years our Troopers have used in-car cameras to document interactions with members of the public, but I am pleased to announce that we will now be taking that capability a step further.”

TASER CEO and co-founder, Rick Smith added, “Fully deploying HD body cameras, let alone taking the innovative step of purchasing two per officer, is undoubtedly a bold move in the direction of improved accountability and officer protection.” Smith said. “Combine that with our Axon Signal technology, which virtually ensures that important interactions don’t go unrecorded, and you’re looking at an agency whose technology can help them go above and beyond. We commend them on being the first major, statewide agency to take these steps.”