Forks Police Chief Mike Rowley announced last Wednesday that the Forks Police Department would officially begin using body-worn cameras that very day, marking a significant step forward for the department. Speaking to the West End Business and Professional Association, Rowley expressed enthusiasm about the cameras’ potential, calling them “a fantastic tool” and a “valuable asset” for improving transparency and efficiency in police work.

Funded by a grant that covered both the training and the purchase of four cameras, the body cameras are expected to enhance officer accountability. In the past, police had to transfer photo evidence manually—burning images onto disks and delivering them to the courthouse in Port Angeles for review by the prosecutor’s office. Now, evidence is securely stored in the cloud, allowing prosecutors instant access and speeding up case processing. “This new system will save us a lot of time,” Rowley noted.

The cameras also feature an artificial intelligence function that can draft initial reports based on recordings, which can reduce the time officers spend on paperwork and allow them to be more present within the community. Additionally, Rowley highlighted the department’s collaboration with the Clallam County Sheriff’s Department to manage public records requests, eliminating the fees the department had previously paid.

The cameras, which are not constantly recording, can be activated with a simple button press. Experience show that body cameras can also help to de-escalate potentially volatile situations, as individuals may be less likely to act aggressively when aware they are being filmed. “There have been situations in the past where having body cameras could have helped,” Rowley said, “and I think it will be of great benefit moving forward.”

With the new body camera program, the Forks Police Department aims to improve both transparency and the efficiency of day-to-day operations, reinforcing the community’s trust and optimizing resources for public safety.