WDFW officers to start wearing body cameras

OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will equip all 152 of its commissioned law enforcement officers with body-worn cameras starting this month.

The program will enhance accountability, transparency, and safety in natural resource law enforcement. It follows a comprehensive review and trial period that incorporated feedback from officers and stakeholders.

"This program advances our commitment to our core values and our mission to protect our natural resources and the public we serve," said WDFW Police Chief Steve Bear. "Deploying body-worn cameras to our officers will help us build trust and relationships with all communities in Washington."

The initiative's goals include providing a clear record of interactions, improving communication with the public, deterring misconduct, and offering resources for training.

Funding for the program, totaling $915,000, was allocated by the Washington State Legislature in the 2023-2025 supplemental operating budget. This allocation was part of a broader effort to support local law enforcement agencies across the state.