VASNHS Police Debut Body-Worn Cameras

North Las Vegas, Nev. – The mission of the VA Police is to “protect those who served” – including Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors – and as well as VA’s great public servants. As a part of this mission, VA Police will begin to use body-worn cameras (BWC).

The use of body-worn cameras began on Dec. 11 at VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System facilities. All VA police officers nationwide will be utilizing body-worn cameras and in-car cameras by the end of 2023.

“The police officers at VA Southern Nevada have been making important contributions to our facility to ensure that our Nation's heroes receive care in a secure environment,” said Travis Payne, VASNHS Chief of Police. “The introduction of body worn cameras for our police officers will not only foster a more respectful atmosphere during police encounters but also improve the perception of police transparency among Veterans and staff members. Research indicates that the implementation of body worn cameras will bolster the overall safety within our Veteran community.”

This policy will increase the safety of VA facilities, improve transparency, build trust, support officers, promote de-escalation by both law enforcement officers and those they encounter, enhance the ability to resolve officer-involved incidents and complaints, and more.

VA is implementing this policy as a part of President Biden’s Executive Order 14074, “Advancing Effective, Accountable Policing and Criminal Justice Practices to Enhance Public Trust and Public Safety,” as well as the bipartisan Cleland-Dole Act of 2022. The executive order requires that all Federal law enforcement agencies use body-worn cameras to promote equitable, transparent, accountable, constitutional, and effective law enforcement practices, and the Cleland-Dole Act requires that all VA Police officers wear body cameras that record and store video and audio.

John Archiquette, Public Affairs Specialist

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