Photo: Cook County Sheriff's Office

From Cook County, Minnesota - February 20, 2026

By: The Cook County Sheriff’s Department

In November 2025, the Cook County Board unanimously approved the Body-Worn Camera (BWC) program. This followed formal public comment and policy development. While the program isn’t in full operation yet, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office is committed to offering periodic updates on the BWC program as it gets closer to launch.

Background

The policy framework governing when and how deputies wear and use the cameras was unanimously approved by the County Board in late November 2025 after a two-week public comment period that drew feedback from community members. Sheriff Pat Eliasen, who led the effort to adopt BWCs, said the initiative reflects a commitment to transparency, accountability, and improved investigative practices.

“We brought this forward because we wanted accountability not only for the Sheriff’s Office but for the public we serve as well,” Eliasen said. The sheriff’s office indicated that the cameras were already procured and ready for deployment when the policy took effect.

The new body camera footage will be used not only for evidentiary purposes in investigations and court proceedings but also as a training tool, helping supervisors review deputy interactions and reinforce best practices. Officials hope that routine recording of officer–public interactions will reduce misunderstandings and complaints, strengthen community trust, and support professionalism on both sides of encounters.

Updates

To get the program running, all sworn personnel will be undergoing structured training covering camera activation protocols, data management, privacy considerations, and evidentiary procedures. Once training is finalized, the program will be activated without delay.

Sheriff Eliasen’s leadership in rolling out the program comes as he continues his tenure in law enforcement; earlier in January 2026, he also announced that he will not seek re-election later this year, citing a desire to retire after decades of service and expand his work in criminal justice education.

Additional information regarding public access, policy guidelines, and program implementation details will be shared as deployment begins.

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