What's Happening in Champaign, IL…

The Champaign Police Department, like many across the country, is going to start using body cameras, according to an article in The News-Gazette.

After considering four models, and testing two, the department is now asking for 125 cameras, one for each of its sworn officers. In addition, the department is requesting 35 in-car cameras that face the front, as well as 26 cameras mounted in the back seat. It is also asking for a five-year warranty on both software and hardware, and a mechanism for storing video and sharing it with the office of the state's attorney.

The request was backed by both the mayor of Champaign, Deb Feinen, and Patricia Avery, president of the NAACP of Champaign County. The total costs of the cameras and other requests for technology is estimated at approximately $550,000, and the program won the city council's unanimous approval.

According to police lieutenant Nate Rath, the use of cameras would increase accountability and transparency, improve the behavior of both citizens and police officers, expedite the process of reviewing complaints by citizens, and provide prosecutors with more evidence.

Mayor Feinen believes the effort will increase safety for both citizens and officers, and Patricia Avery said the proposal is a “good start” toward increasing security for everyone.

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