A.G. Gancarski
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is gearing up for a body camera pilot program, even as the local Fraternal Order of Police urges caution to the rank and file.
The issue? Body cameras have not been collectively bargained — in fact, attempts to make them part of collective bargaining by the union earlier this year were squashed.
That led, perhaps inexorably, to a PERC complaint from the FOP.
“The FOP filed an Unfair Labor Practice against the COJ regarding them refusing to collectively bargain the policies and procedures of body worn cameras. We have been in the PERC hearing since 0900 this morning with both sides presenting testimony. Surprised to hear 60 officers have “volunteered” to wear the cameras during a pilot program,” observed FOP head Steve Zona Tuesday on Facebook.
“Even JSO admitted during this hearing you could face discipline up to and including termination for incidents and violations of policy arising out of the use of the BWC. DO NOT volunteer until we are able to negotiate these terms. Consider this my friendly advice as I would take no pleasure in telling you ‘I told you so’,” Zona added.
Back in January, the union wanted “body worn cameras” to be subject to collective bargaining — a position that accords with that of the national Fraternal Order of Police.
“You need to understand, that’s for both — police and corrections,” local FOP Head Steve Zona said, reiterating a position taken in a previous bargaining session, in which the union said there was something else that needed to be put on the table.
Elsewhere, police unions have asked for compensation for wearing body cameras, which the sheriff’s office wants to begin rolling out in pilot form later this year.
Unions have been known to sue to secure their rights regarding body cameras.
The city was not ready to move forward on this discussion point in January, leading to the current unfair labor practice claim now
