WDFW police launch body camera program

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will be deploying body-worn cameras to all 152 commissioned law enforcement officers beginning in September. The program aims to boost accountability, transparency, and safety in natural resource law enforcement.

The goals of the program are to: Enhance accountability: Provide a clear, impartial record of interactions and incidents.

Increase transparency: Improve communication with the public and support open oversight.

Improve safety: Act as a deterrent to misconduct and promote safer interactions. Support training: Offer valuable resources for refining techniques and practices.

The Washington State Legislature allocated funding for this program in the 2023-2025 supplemental operating budget, allocating $915,000 for WDFW to equip officers with body-worn cameras to advance public safety. This allocation was one of many identified to support local law enforcement agencies statewide.

WDFW Police works to protect the public’s safety and to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.