WICHITA, Kan. (AP) Wichita police officers could soon be wearing cameras while on duty.
The City Council on Tuesday approved the police department’s request to buy computers and cameras, which officers will wear as part of their uniforms. Deputy Chief Terri Moses says the department hopes to have the cameras by early next year.
A federal grant will pay $125,000 for 20 computers, 40 cameras and other equipment. The city will pay about $24,000 annually to store data gathered by the cameras.
The Wichita Eagle reports that officers wear the computers on their gunbelts, with the cameras on their heads. Police say the cameras will help gather evidence, while also holding officers accountable for their actions.
Police are not able to alter or delete the videos once the recordings are made.
