Detroit Gets Federal Funds To Equip Police With Body Cameras
DETROIT (WWJ) -- The Justice Department announced Monday that the City of Detroit has been awarded $1.8 million to hire 15 new police officers as well as $1 million that will go toward body cameras for officers.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan says the money will put Detroit into the national "crime fighting" spotlight.
"Detroit is going to be a national leader in deploying body cameras," Duggan said. "We're committed to having body cameras on every police officer, we're committed to having working dashboard cams in every police car, and we got a million dollar jumpstart in that area."
The Justice Department has awarded grants totaling more than $23.2 million to 73 local and tribal agencies in 32 states to expand the use of body-worn cameras and explore their impact.
Police Chief James Craig says the new technology will be tremendously useful in dangerous situations, such as a shooting that happened last week.
"The incident was caught on an in-car camera," Craig said. "Imagine having body-worn cameras in addition to the in-car video. It just takes it to another level."
Earlier this year, Duggan and Craig announced a test run of body cameras. About 20 Detroit officers have already been outfitted with the cameras for a 90-day pilot.
The cameras would be was mounted on the officers' shirts or glasses.
Several other local cities are getting federal money to hire more officers. Police departments in Redford Township, Harper Woods and Taylor will get more than $1 million combined to hire or keep officers.
In addition, the Dearborn Police Department will receive nearly $60,000 for body cams.