INDIANAPOLIS — Metro police officers in some areas of Indianapolis will soon be equipped with body cameras, as the department begins its trial phase.
The body cameras will be spread out across three districts starting in July, as the department tries to pick the best model for officers.
The testing period was supposed to begin earlier this year, but the department held off to focus on policies for the cameras and when officers will turn them 'on' or 'off' when interacting with the public.
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Deputy Chief Chris Bailey told RTV6 the following:
"If you're going to implement something like this, we need to make sure our officers understand completely what the rules of engagement are going to be, what the rules are going to be with the community as far as transparency, so we're on the same page. It was important to go back and look at national best practices across the country, also listen to our community and develop our specific policies and procedures based on what the community expects."
The testing process will last 45 days.
The final decision to equip each officer with a body camera comes down to funding, which is estimated to cost about two to three million dollars each year.
That decision will be up to the City-County Council.
