No they can't, it's illegal
Yes they can because I said so and want to catch bad cops in the act to fit my narrative
Durkan: let me change the rules whenever I want because it is my intent to let Seattle burn to the ground and become the next Minnesota
Durkan orders SPD officers to turn on body cameras at protests
https://komonews.com/news/local/city-officials-to-hold-press-conference-on-demonstrations
SEATTLE - During a press conference Sunday evening, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan and Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best announced new policies in response to demonstrations held around the city for the past 10 days, including an emergency order for police to turn on their body cameras during demonstrations.
"SPD's response needs to be better measured," Durkan said. "While the accountability system will review all of the facts, the response seemed to quick, too quick to escalate, and too quick to deploy flash bangs, pepper spray, and the deployment of the National Guard."
Chief Best also announced that the Seattle Police Department will reduce the number of officers outside of the East Precinct and remove some of the protective gear officers have been wearing.
>>9380387 /pb
Seattle Police Dept.
We’ve received a number of questions following last night’s demonstrations regarding when officers’ bodycams are recording or not. Per
SPD policy, officers are prohibited from recording lawful demonstrations
Additionally, even when recording, body-worn cameras do eventually run out of batteries and may take 1-6 hours to recharge, which can’t be done out in the field.
https://twitter.com/SeattlePD/status/1266793045376110592