Frisco ISD school resource officers will begin piloting a program to use body cameras this year. SROs are assigned to the eight high schools in FISD.
School officials said in a news release they welcome the additional tool for officers to help keep students safe.
“Students are already accustomed to security cameras in the commons areas of the building, so the use of these cameras will probably feel pretty standard to the student body,” said Doug Zambiasi, assistant superintendent of support services, who oversees the security department in FISD.
The Frisco Police Department began piloting the use of body cameras last year and decided to expand the program this year.
Lieutenant Bob Fortenberry with Frisco PD explained in a news release that the cameras would not be running all of the time. Cameras will be activated by SROs when they are engaged in an enforcement action or if a situation begins to escalate.
Officers can also activate the cameras if conducting a criminal interview.
“Our job in the schools is to build relationships and to be a part of creating a culture of trust, respect and safety in our schools and in the community,” Fortenberry said. “The use of these body cameras, when necessary, is meant to enhance the safety, security and protection of all.”
Protocols and training address appropriate uses and student privacy matters, he added.
SROs are employees of the police department, with salaries being a shared cost between the city and the school district.
Officers in middle schools will most likely wear the cameras at some point in the future.