(NEWBERG, OR) — We are pleased to announce that the Newberg-Dundee Police Department has selected Axon as its body-worn camera vendor for the department. After receiving an $86k grant from the department of justice the NDPD started working on a department policy for general guidelines on how they will be used.
During the selection process, there was a consideration and emphasis put on the most automated, failsafe features such as automatic activation if an officer draws their firearm, AutoCAD tagging, and the integration of tasers to name a few.
Once the policy was tentatively approved NDPD officers began testing different body-worn camera companies for about 7 months. At the end of trials and assessment, the internal testing group clearly favored the capabilities of Axon company and deemed it best suited for our police department.
In an effort to create a policy that serves all community members, a committee of ten community stakeholders (see committee bios below) was formed to discuss, make changes if needed, and approve the body-worn camera policy. On April 21st our community stakeholders on the committee met at the public safety building for several hours for a productive conversation that led to the improvement and approval of our body-worn camera policy that will guide officers as they use this valuable tool. It is important to note that this body-worn camera policy has also been approved by the department of justice.
We would like to publicly thank the community stakeholders who assisted our department in the development and approval of this policy. Without these community members stepping up and assisting, we would not have valuable perspectives and representation of our community.
The Newberg-Dundee Police Department is hoping to have the cameras operational before July; any delays will be because of supply chain issues.
The cost of the program will be $426k over 5 years. It will include the newest technology in Tasers as well.
Body-worn camera committee members:
Josh Howery lives in Newberg, graduated from George Fox University, and has worked for the Portland Police Bureau for 21 years, 6 of which were in the training division where he became certified in the use of force and force science technology.
Joe Yoder serves as the CEO of the Providence Yamhill Service Area, which includes Providence Newberg Medical Center. Providence’s mission specifically calls out for the care of the poor and vulnerable through the healing ministry of Jesus. We take pride in living our values and acting with compassion and justice, respecting the dignity of every person.
Tim Weaver has been in the Newberg-Dundee area since 1972 and attended George Fox University. By 1974, he was volunteering with the police department in nonsworn roles and was taken on as a reserve officer in 1977. From 1978-2011, Weaver was an officer with the department and a sergeant from 1983 to retirement. A resident of Dundee, he now serves as a Dundee City Councilor, now in his second term. Weaver continues serving with the department’s Honor Guard and recites several key speeches from American history at various functions throughout the community. He is married to Pamela, has five adult children in his blended family, and six grandchildren.
1st Sgt Consuelo "Connie" Christianson, USAF-Ret. Currently works as Community Relations Manager for Lum's Buick GMC. Served with the Yamhill Co Interagency Narcotics Team for 23 years. Passed Chamber Ambassador and graduate of leadership school for Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce, McMinnville Area Chamber, and member of Newberg Early Bird Rotary.
Denise Bacon has been a Newberg City Councilor since 2009 and is the President and co-founder of the Newberg-Dundee Police Foundation. She is a Ph.D. candidate in public policy at Walden University, Minneapolis, Minn., where her focus is on police trauma and building residency in rural law enforcement agencies.
Katrina Johnson was born in Chicago, Illinois, and has lived in Oregon since 2007. Katrina is the Dean of Student Belonging and Equity, and Title IX Coordinator for students at George Fox University. She has a background in higher education, data science, and technical writing. She is an ABD Ph.D. in Philosophy at the University of Memphis. Katrina has a Master’s Degree in Philosophy from the University of Memphis and earned her Master’s Degree in English at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is a licensed educator on the secondary and high school levels. Katrina is an avid traveler and enjoys hiking with her dog in the beautiful Pacific Northwest
Mark Brown is an assistant principal at Newberg High School where he has coached and taught students for 11 years. Mark also lives in Newberg with his wife and two daughters and is active in many ways throughout the community.
Mike Boock is a local financial planner; he and his family have called Newberg home for 16 years. He and his wife have three children who attend our local schools.
Benjamin Uribe was born in Mexico and came to California in 1994. Benjamin moved to Oregon in 2003 and has been a local businessman since 2013 and has raised six kids that have gone through the Newberg School System. Benjamin is also a member of the NDPD Unidos Hispanic outreach group.
Heather Johnstone was born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia and immigrated to the US with her husband and two children in 1998. She has lived in Newberg with her family since 2002. Heather worked for the Newberg School District (Joan Austin Elementary) from 2007 through 2015 and currently works for a financial planner in Beaverton, OR.