NEWPORT BEACH : Council to Consider Request to Put Video Cameras in 29 Police Cars

A proposal to install video cameras in 29 police cars to save the city potential millions in legal costs goes before the City Council tonight.

“The reason for doing this is twofold: the obvious savings because of liability costs due to the high number of frivolous lawsuits that are filed, and that a video is the best evidence we can file in any case,” Sgt. Andy Gonis said.

The $197,000 video system is expected to save the city money by discouraging false accusations of police abuse and improprieties in the field and providing proof that could exonerate officers.

“Essentially, it’s mounted inside (the car) . . . so it has a clear (view) of what’s going on directly in front of the vehicle,” Gonis said.

Cameras are expected to be rigged to go on any time the car’s rooftop lights are turned on and also at officers’ discretion, Gonis said.

The plan won an endorsement from City Atty. Robert Burnham and a unanimous vote of favor from the council last June.

The system can help police identify crime suspects, Lt. Tim Riley said, as in the recent case of an Orange County sheriff’s deputy whose gun was taken by a criminal who fled in a stolen car. Video footage of the incident helped identify a suspect in that case.

The request would use funds from an untouched capital improvements budget: $196,860 for the cameras, $50,751 for related equipment and $11,000 to modify police headquarters for the system.