New Police Technology Meant To Hold Officers Accountable

BALTIMORE (WJZ)--After being highly criticized in the arrest and death of Freddie Gray, Baltimore City police are rolling out new technology focused on holding officers accountable.

"We're not doing it to police officers, we're doing it for them," said Baltimore Police Commissioner Kevin Davis. " "It's not necessarily because of one thing, it's probably because of many, many things."

The new program is called "Power Document Manage System" and it focuses on allowing officers to review updated steps that need to be conducted under a certain manner when patrolling the streets.

HOW IT WORKS

PowerDMS can be accessed from any computer or smart device. Officers sign in where a document inbox appears with an alert showing new policies or training videos.

Police say officers are then required to review them and take a test while a confirmation email is sent to their supervisor.

POLICE TRAINING

The announcement comes just after the Officer Edward Nero trial. Where a judge decided there was no evidence that showed Nero had training or knowledge of a new seat belt order that required Freddie Gray to be buckled inside a police van.

Public safety expert Rob Weinhold says a lack of technology has plagued Baltimore Police.

"There's no doubt that proper education and training is at the core of these court cases, particularly the Nero trial," said Weinhold.

He says the community should embrace this opportunity.

"A more informed, well equipped, trained officer, is much better for the citizens of Baltimore," says Weinhold.

Officers will have 14 days to review new orders or disciplinary action can be taken against them.

The technology is expected to be rolled out around July 1st.

Police say the technology will cost them roughly $60,000 for the first year of implementation.

Police say additional announcements are coming over the next few weeks and that right now they're reviewing the use of their force policy for the first time since 2003.

In:
• Baltimore