BALTIMORE — Following in the steps of police departments all throughout the state, Maryland's Department of Corrections is launching a body-worn camera pilot program.
"We're not behind the times, but this is a long time coming," director of security operations Andrew Lipchak said. "It works. We're going to go through some growing pains, but I am 100% very excited for this."
The program is being implemented on a roll-out basis starting February 19 at Patuxent Institute.
VIDEO: Maryland correctional officers begin wearing body-worn cameras
"It has all security levels. So we thought that this would just be a wonderful place to start," Lipchak said.
"I think because Patuxent has a unique treatment mission, I think there was a dedication on the part of the department to having the pilot run at different facilities with different functions," director of the facility Dr. Erin Shaffer said.
Here's a list of facilities to follow:
- February 25, 2025 - Eastern Correctional Institute
- March 5, 2025 - North Branch Correctional Institute
- March 12, 2025 - Maryland Correctional Institute for Women
- March 19, 2025 - Baltimore Central Booking and Intake Center
"I speak on behalf of the officers when I say we welcome it because then it changes the narrative," Lt. Emmanuel Dabiri, a supervisor at the facility, said.
He is one of 20 officers who will be equipped per shift. Dabiri says he noticed a shift right away on day one.
"I can tell you categorically that yesterday we had a very hitch-free day," he said.
The department says body-worn cameras aim to reduce complaints against correctional officers and increase staff safety.
"By documenting interactions in real time, these cameras serve as an essential safeguard, fostering accountability and trust in the correctional system," the agency said in a press release.
The program, done in partnership with body worn camera maker Axon, comes at no cost to taxpayers.
The department has consulted with other agencies in Ohio, New Jersey, Georgia and others before implementing it.
"Then we're hoping that other jurisdictions will look to us when they start their pilot program," Lipchak said.
