St. Paul police have scheduled two public meetings to discuss the department’s plans to start using body cameras.
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A year-long study by the University of South Florida and Orlando Police shows that body cameras may have helped reduce resistance incidents and external complaints.
Sgt. Jesse Sanger said the cameras were planned well before the spotlight was cast on police violence following the uproar in Ferguson, Missouri. The second one takes place at 6 p.m. Tuesday, November 10, at the Eastern Patrol District on Payne Avenue.
Officials said 46 officers randomly assigned to wear the cameras and 43 officers randomly selected to not wear the cameras were participants in the study. A few of the big questions include how the cameras could impact crime victims, the legal ramifications and what technology the department will need.
They say benefits of the cameras are to improve investigations, enhance employee safety and provide transparency to the public. There are different variables they will consider to see which is most practical for officers.
The commissioner of the state Department of Administration rejected a request to temporarily wall off the data.
The police department is also hoping to purchase new in-car video cameras and system that will cost about $1.5 million.
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Commissioner Matt Massman said it was outside his authority to classify the information as private because current laws say the footage is public.
