In preparation for compliance with the Law Enforcement Officer-Worn Body Camera Act, Winnetka Police Officers will begin wearing body worn cameras in the coming weeks. Per the mandate, police officers will be required to wear body cameras and utilize them while performing law enforcement-related activities. This period before the mandatory adoption of body worn cameras in Winnetka in 2025 will allow officers the time necessary to familiarize themselves with the new technology, its functionality, and the law’s requirements. This will also allow the community to become accustomed to this technology.
The only times an officer may turn off their body camera is if they are inside a prison or jail cell that has a camera system, or when performing community caretaking functions, such as participating in town halls, helping a child find their parents, providing death notifications, or performing well-being checks. Cameras may also be turned off if the victim of a crime requests the camera be turned off, if a person reporting a crime requests the camera be turned off, or if the officer is interacting with a confidential informant.
Additional information on body worn camera legislation can be found on the Illinois General Assembly’s website.