What's Happening in Wilmington, DE…

Following a growing trend across the nation, the Wilmington Police Department will begin wearing body cameras as part of a pilot program.

A group of 23 volunteer officers will wear the devices on their uniforms, either on the shoulder or chest, for a trial period of three months. When the cameras are activated, they capture video and audio that can then be downloaded and saved.

According to Bobby Cummings, Wilmington's police chief, officers will be taught how to turn on the cameras when they are conducting official police business, like making a traffic stop or responding to a call about a disorderly person.

Cummings added that cameras should be used at all times when the situation could result in the use of force, or an arrest. If the situation is not likely to have either result, whether or not to use the camera will be left to the officer's discretion. He noted that it is too expensive to store the data if the cameras are left running all the time.

Cummings says the purpose for using the cameras is to provide transparency in the dealings between police and the community, and he hopes the effort will result in changes in behavior on both sides.

Police department officials might consider working with a postcard printing company on a mailer to the community, announcing the pilot program.