Local

Snohomish County executive proposes purchase of 340 body cameras for deputies, detectives

Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers on Thursday proposed a motion to the county council for the purchase of 340 body-worn cameras for Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office deputies and detectives.

The cameras are “intended to improve the transparency of interactions between law enforcement and the public,” according to a news release, and they follow up on a pilot program implemented last year.

The motion is set to be considered by the county council.

“We are following through on our commitment to the community and our law enforcement partners to equip every patrol deputy and detective in the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office with body worn cameras,” said Somers. “Public safety is our top priority, and we know that body cams will improve public safety and provide an additional tool for understanding use of force incidents. This added transparency is a key component of ensuring justice for the public and our deputies. I urge the Council to support this motion.”