Cedar Rapids Police Will Soon Wear Body Cameras

The Cedar Rapids Police Department will soon outfit its officers with body cameras after getting final approval from the city council. The council approved a $300,000 contract with Keltek Inc. and Panasonic to supply the cameras along with training, charging stations and more.

The CRPD had completed a 6 month trial of body cameras on their Police Community Action Team. Officers will be equipped with the cameras first, followed by investigators as the budget allows.

Officials say they'll purchase 100 cameras in the first year. It will take at least a couple of years to outfit the entire police force. Police Chief Wayne German says that the cameras will be used during all public encounters and the devices "promote trust and transparency."

[via Gazette]