Police officers often go into situations blind.
For that reason, Sierra Vista Police officers have been asking Police Chief, Adam Thrasher to purchase body cameras.
These are the body cameras Sierra Vista officers will now have to wear... @KGUN9 pic.twitter.com/b8ReXrKFyS
— Jennifer Martinez (@Jennymartineztv) February 8, 2017
Thrasher says officers understand the cameras can protect them from citizen complaints. Adding, "the complaints that have no merit to them."
Sierra Vista patrol cars have cameras installed to record traffic stops and other situations from a distance.
Chief Thrasher says, the difference between the patrol cameras and the body cams is the body cams will be directly on the officers.
After Wednesday training, the cameras will need to be activated for every interaction police have with the public.
Police in Sierra Vista learn how to use body cams .... I'll have more tonight on @kgun9 pic.twitter.com/bni28QptvV
— Jennifer Martinez (@Jennymartineztv) February 8, 2017
The body cameras will document interactions and record audio of the conversation.
Thrasher says this will benefit the department because both parties will know that they're being recorded. Going on to say, " both the public's behavior has been shown to improve as well as the officers."
Do you guys think police should have body cameras?! I want to hear your thoughts! @kgun9 pic.twitter.com/sP1wjFeJtP
— Jennifer Martinez (@Jennymartineztv) February 8, 2017
Officers will double tap the body cameras as soon as they approach a situation. The device will start recording after a 30-second delay and once the camera is recording, a red light will blink to tell officers that their device is activated.
The cost for the body cameras is just under $400,000 for a five-year contract.
Chief Thrasher tells KGUN 9 the money came from RICO funds which are money seized from criminals to fight crime.
