Body-Worn and In-Car Camera Program: Foundations in Place, Improved Oversight and Reporting Needed

Published December 1, 2025

Body-worn cameras enhance accountability, safeguard deputies by supplying context for use-of-force, and lead to more reliable evidence. However, their effectiveness depends on adherence to policies. The objective of the audit was to determine whether the body and in-car camera program supports accountability, transparency, and the secure, effective use of recorded footage.

What was found:

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office's body camera program had a solid foundation but needed to enhance transparency. The program was relatively new, and staff were continuing to evaluate and implement lessons learned as they arose. The audit uncovered limited accountability for supervisor monitoring and report availability. By improving information system reporting capabilities and addressing challenges in public records tracking and information security, the Sheriff's Office can increase community trust and operational effectiveness.

Due to a scope limitation, auditors could not verify whether deputies consistently recorded and categorized footage in line with policy which is crucial for the program to meet accountability and operational goals.

What was recommended:

We recommended that the Sheriff's Office:

• Publish reports about the program.

• Create a process to monitor sergeant review.

• Implement a new system to track record requests.

• Design information system procedures.

• Develop reports to improve oversight.