Detroit to equip all city police officers with body cameras

The fatal police shooting of the unarmed black teenager in Ferguson, Mo. has prompted calls for more officers to wear so-called “body cameras”, simple, lapel-mounted gadgets that record the interactions between the public and law enforcement.

“We are moving ahead to build a single, integrated system, where the police cars and officers will be fully equipped with the latest camera technology”, Police Chief James Craig said.

This fall, officers will start testing a body camera system that will be integrated into the dash cam system.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan says the dashboard and body camera project will take three years to complete. The dash cameras are already in the budget for the department, and the body cameras will be paid for by federal grants and the department. Diaz previously has supported efforts to equip officers with body cameras to combat claims of police misconduct.

Mark Diaz, president of the Detroit Police Officers Association, also is expected to attend along with members of the City Council and Board of Police Commissioners. “Cops have to make split second decisions”.