Baltimore City School Police is beginning a body camera pilot beginning July 2024.
During the pilot's first phase, the bodycams will be used only by patrol officers not assigned to school buildings. City School Police will use the operating protocols developed by the Baltimore Police Department during this first phase. A link to those protocols is available here.
While the initial phase of the pilot occurs, City Schools will update its General Orders to guide all officers to use bodycams, regardless of assignment. The school system will review best practices for bodycam operation in the school context, share drafts, and receive feedback on the updated General Order publicly and on the School Police webpage. Information will be shared directly with students, families, staff members, and civic leaders during the process.
Tentative project timeline:
Spring 2024 – Training of School Police on the use of bodycams and development of pilot protocols.
July to December 2024 - Patrol officers to pilot bodycams.
August 2024 – Draft updated General Order for the use of bodycams in schools to be posted on the City Schools website and shared with the community for review and feedback.
August 20, 2024 – Estimated schedule for Board Policy Committee to review the draft updated General Order.
November 2024 – General Order considered by the Board of School Commissioners for adoption.
January 2025 (or following Board Adoption of General Orders) Phase II of the pilot – all officers using body cams, both patrol officers and school-based officers.
June 2025 – Full implementation of body cams by all City School Police, incorporating lessons learned from the pilot.
By Maryland law, all police officers will employ body cameras by July 2025.
The body camera pilot extends ongoing efforts to keep students and staff safe. In the last 24 months, City Schools has added enhanced weapons detection monitoring, updated school entry management protocols, added repaired and upgraded doors and locks on a need and priority basis, and upgraded security vestibules at certain schools. These tools, combined with ongoing conflict resolution training for staff and support for students who report misconduct, and restorative practices and whole child programs, are enhancing safety in schools.