Birmingham va police begin use of body cameras | va birmingham health care | veterans affairs

Placing our Veterans at the focus of our priorities, the Birmingham VA police have taken a proactive step to enhance accountability and ensure their safety by adopting body cameras. These

body-worn-cameras (BWC) not only safeguard the well-being of those we serve but also provide an additional layer of protection for the dedicated officers overseeing our facilities. Recent

visitors to the Birmingham VA Health Care System may have noticed these small, unobtrusive devices attached to the vests or coats of our officers, a measure implemented December 26, 2023. 

Our commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment is paramount, and the use of body cameras aligns with this commitment, fostering transparency and contributing to an optimal

patient experience. Importantly, this policy respects the privacy of both our employees and the Veterans we are honored to serve.  The functionality of these cameras is designed to

automatically record video and audio in specific situations, such as when an officer draws their firearm or activates emergency lights in their police vehicle. Manual activation occurs

during investigations and enforcement encounters. While body cameras aren’t new to law enforcement, Quinton Burrow, Birmingham VA Chief of Police, emphasizes that this new tool is not just a

routine adoption of technology, but a strategic move to benefit the department and enhance transparency within the community. The continuous recording of video and the optional audio

feature, controlled by a simple button press, ensure a comprehensive view of any given situation. Chief Burrow underscores the importance of fostering communication and trust with the

public, recognizing the role of social media and the community's familiarity with visual documentation.  “I commend the Veterans that use VA services,” said Burrow. “The service men and

woman respect our police and issues are not common here.” In the event of any concerns or issues, the recorded footage serves as an objective record, allowing others to understand the

perspective of our officers during various responses. With 39 body cameras in rotation for approximately 30 officers on staff, this initiative reflects our dedication to accountability and

safety. This new policy includes VA police assigned to the main Birmingham facility, the Birmingham VA Clinic, and the Huntsville VA Clinic.  From the lens of Veterans, families, caregivers,

and survivors, the implementation of body cameras signifies a commitment to the well-being and accountability for all involved.