Body cameras – 23 in all – will be going on the uniforms of the Ripon Police Department’s officers starting Saturday.

 Body-worn video cameras have proven to be an invaluable tool for police departments, Lt. Steve Merchant said. 

“I am excited to be able to provide this valuable and powerful tool to my officers, supervisors and other staff members,” said Chief Edward Ormonde – who plans to join his officers in wearing a camera while on duty.

The cameras record once they are triggered by an officer. They also include a record after the fact function which allows the retrieval of the video should something unfold before an officer has a chance to reach over and activate the camera.  Early estimates note that a camera should function in the field for at least nine hours without the need for docking or charging.

Departments in the area such as Manteca Police already using body cameras report a drop in complaints against officers as the video offers evidence that often backs up the officer’s versions of encounters.