KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Kalamazoo officers will be equipped with the latest generation of tasers and body cams, according to the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office.
The new devices are part of a contract in collaboration with Axon, the KCSO says. The new cameras are to be worn “as soon as possible.”
“The cameras will allow for protection of the deputies and the citizens we serve,” the Sheriff’s Office says, “which will enhance our ability to capture events for transparency to the community.”
The body cameras are the Axon Body 3, an LTE-enabled device outfitted with “real-time situational awareness technology.” They will have live streaming functionality that will allow authorized personnel to view active events as they happen.
The contract with Axon also provides Kalamazoo officers with VR training that will educate them on how to de-escalate situations involving people with mental health issues, including schizophrenia, autism and more.
