(Washington, DC) – Christian J. Klossner, acting executive director of the Office of Police Complaints, issued the following statement on the announcement of the Metropolitan Police Department’s body-worn camera pilot program:

The Office of Police Complaints supports the use of body-worn cameras by MPD officers, and we applaud Mayor Gray and Chief Lanier for moving forward with the program. 

The cameras will increase accountability, improve training, and promote respectful encounters between police and the public.  This in turn will lead to enhanced public trust in the police, and ultimately, greater public safety.  Consistent with the recommendations of the Police Complaints Board, MPD has consulted with stakeholders as it developed its pilot program policy. 

OPC pledges to continue to work with MPD, and we encourage the police department to use the pilot phase of this program to further consult and engage with District residents and stakeholders to develop a policy that maximizes the benefits of the cameras.