Decatur’s commission recently approved the purchase of 42 body cameras for police officers and 32 activation and GPS units installed in the trunks of police cars. The cameras are placed inside a vest worn by officers—usually those patrolling on foot—and can be activated by voice or remote control.
“The advantages are accountability and it brings out more professionalism,” said Police Chief Mike Booker. “Also, of course, it can be used for evidentiary purposes.”
Booker added that if an officer goes down the camera issues an alert while GPS pinpoints his or her location. Cost is $173,477 over a three-year duration
This is separate from the in-car cameras, which Decatur police have used since 1993. Booker said it’s probably inevitable that the department will purchase an integrated system linking car cameras with individuals.
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