Trying to address a national outcry for more police accountability, some Fulton County law enforcement agencies say they must figure out cost, privacy concerns and other issues before their officers can be equipped with body cameras.
Nearly two dozen chiefs and other representatives of Fulton County police departments met Wednesday to discuss the cameras, which many in the public now see as a key tool for keeping police in line. Protests have erupted in cities from Baltimore to Ferguson, Mo., in recent months in response to the shootings of unarmed black men. Some local departments, like Chattahoochee Hills, already use body camera. Others, like Atlanta, will roll them out in coming weeks.
“The American people have spoken,” DeKalb Public Safety Director Cedric Alexander told the Fulton police chiefs Wednesday. “The American people, not just the African American community, are saying police have got to do something different.”
Wednesday’s meeting drew representatives from several city, school and other police departments in Fulton County. County Commission Chairman John Eaves, who convened the meeting, said he hopes the departments can agree on common policies for using the cameras and apply for federal funding so all county police departments can afford them.
“Even if it’s not the most perfect solution, it’s better than what’s in place right now, which is no solution,” Eaves said.
Cameras won’t come cheap. Atlanta Assistant Police Chief Shawn Jones said the city could pay up to $2 million for cameras, plus another $1 million for video storage and other recurring costs. Fairburn Police Chief James McCarthy said body cameras may cost his city the equivalent of three police officers.
“Would you rather have three officers or would you rather have videos?” McCarthy asked.
Still, all of those who attended are exploring the use of cameras. DeKalb’s Alexander said the shootings in Ferguson and elsewhere have changed the debate about what’s expected of police officers.
“We’re all going to end up with (cameras),” he said. “It’s going to be just as common in years to come as having your sidearm.”
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