Orlando police warming up to body cameras

[Baitball Blogger]

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Police Chief John Mina on Friday embraced the idea of equipping the department's officers with body cameras, a move that activists have called for around the country in the wake of high-profile deaths during confrontations with police.

OPD began a year-long study with University of South Florida in March to look at the efficacy of small cameras worn on police uniforms. The study isn't over, but Mina said the 50 cops already equipped with cameras are sold on them, and Dyer said to expect more to be rolled out.

"I've spoken to almost all of the officers who are wearing the cameras and they absolutely love wearing the body cameras," Mina said. "They love having that footage to look back on and review."

Previous studies have shown that video of police interactions reduces bogus citizen complaints, as well as injuries to both police and the public. The USF study will compare OPD officers with cameras to a control group without them.

Article is only available to subscribers.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/breaking-news/os-opd-police-body-cams-20141212-story.html

[pipoman]

1. It's a no brainer...

City through feds should have to wear them. It would reduce lying by either side of law.