Body Worn Cameras
Community Comment and Review
Like other law enforcement organizations throughout the country, the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office plans to implement body-worn cameras in March 2026. Body-worn cameras are another tool for us to gather evidence, provide information about deputy interactions, improve transparency and accountability, and strengthen our relationship with the community.
The body cameras were delivered in December 2025. At that time, training for deputies and personnel was conducted. Before using the body-worn camera system, the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office is asking for citizen comments on its draft policy for the use of body-worn cameras, as required by Code of Virginia § 15.2-1723.1.
Do you have a question or comment about body-worn cameras?
Please see responses to the most frequently asked questions below. If you can’t find the answer to your question or you would like to submit a comment, please direct your inquiry to m.sampson@co.middlessex.va.us
• What is a body worn camera (BWC)?
A camera worn on the law enforcement officer’s uniform that captures audio and video in real time. Most deputies will wear their cameras on the chest area.
• What BWC system was selected?
The Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office has implemented Getac BWC BC-04-4K camera system.
• How will this program be implemented?
Each deputy will be issued a BWC. The BWC’s will be operated within the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office policies.
• Why implement the body worn cameras?
The uses of body worn cameras allow the Sheriff’s Office and the Commonwealth’s Attorney an unbiased tool to help ensure the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office is meeting the demands and standards associated with law enforcement.
• Does the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office have a policy to provide guidance to personnel on when to use the body cameras?
Yes. We dedicated significant time to researching model policies to determine the best elements to incorporate into our own. Our policy is primarily based on the Department of Criminal Justice’s model body-worn camera policy.
• Who will wear the body cameras?
All deputies on Patrol will wear cameras.
• Will officers turn the cameras on for their entire shifts?
No. Deputies will have the cameras available for use during their shifts, and will only activate them when conducting official business.
• Will I know if I am being recorded?
It is best to assume that the encounter is being recorded. Citizens may ask the officer if the BWC is recording.
• Will deputies be able to edit, erase or redact their videos?
No, they will not be able to edit the video in any way. Deputies only have to ability “tag” (categorize) the videos after they are recorded for reporting purposes.
• Are there places where officers cannot use the cameras?
Recording will cease in any location where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as a restroom, or locker room or, when in any public, private or parochial elementary or secondary school, except when responding to an imminent threat to life or health or when taking law enforcement action.
• What about my privacy during police encounters?
We are aware of the many privacy concerns of those captured in recordings. Deputies will record, per policy, when conducting official business. If a video is to be released to the public, we will redact information that is not pertinent to the specific event.
• Can I ask the officer to turn off the video camera?
During a consensual conversation, deputies must stop recording if a member of the public asks in a place where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy (such as a home or hospital room). However, they do not have to stop recording if the interaction involves an investigation, arrest, or search of the residence or individuals inside.
• What is the process for obtaining a copy of a BWC video?
The release of any BWC recordings must be approved by the Sheriff or the Sheriff’s designee. BWC recordings shall be released when required by (i) a court order which is final and not subject to appeal, (ii) a subpoena duces tecum which is not subject to a motion to quash, (iii) the rules of discovery when no motion to quash is filed or written objection is made, or (iv) the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, Virginia Code § 2.2-3700 et seq., when not prohibited by law and no exemption is invoked. The Sheriff may authorize the release of any BWC recording deemed to be in the best interest of the community and public safety.