The mission of VA’s police force is to protect anyone who comes to VA. As a part of that effort, local VA police officers will now wear body cameras and use in-car cameras at VA Augusta Health Care System’s facilities. These cameras will help build trust, demonstrate transparency, support officers, and strengthen our commitment to de-escalation and avoiding use of force.

What does this mean for you? As you come to VA Augusta for your medical appointments, you will notice that VA Police will have a new, small device, attached to their vest or coat. Rest assured, these cameras are not recording all the time. Footage from these cameras will only be used for police investigations and court proceedings, or for limited other purposes as allowed under federal law. Unless there is a clear and compelling need for a recording, no video will be recorded in locations where a reasonable expectation of personal privacy exists. Your privacy is very important to us, and we will ensure that we remain compliant with HIPPA regulations at all times.

VA is implementing this policy as a part of President Biden’s Executive Order 14074, “Advancing Effective, Accountable Policing and Criminal Justice Practices to Enhance Public Trust and Public Safety,” as well as the bipartisan Cleland-Dole Act of 2022. The executive order requires that all Federal law enforcement agencies use body-worn cameras to promote equitable, transparent, accountable, constitutional, and effective law enforcement practices, and the bipartisan Cleland-Dole Act requires that all VA Police officers wear body cameras that record and store video and audio.

At VA Augusta, it’s our job to provide a safe and welcoming environment for you and your families. VA’s great police officers make that possible each and every day. We thank them for implementing this new policy and for their service.

Thank you for embracing this positive change.