OKCPD Ordered To Stop Body Camera Use

An arbitrator has ordered the Oklahoma City Police Department to immediately suspend its use of body cameras.

The Oklahoman reports that the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 123 thinks a portion of the department's body camera policy violates the collective bargaining agreement between the city and the union. Arbitrator M. Zane Lumbley sided with the Lodge 123 on Tuesday.

Lodge 123 president John George says the issue is that supervisors are given the authority to view an officer's camera footage at any time. George says they are trying to avoid a situation where a supervisor is watching footage just to find something wrong.

Lumbley's decision means the department and the union will have to enter discussions.

Police Chief Bill Citty has said supervisors should have the right to monitor their officers.