What's Happening in Rosedale, MD…

As a result of the Freddy Gray case, Baltimore officials have given their approval to a contract that will place cameras inside the vans used by police to transport prisoners.

The contract is worth about $187,000 and was approved by Baltimore's Board of Estimates on February 24.

Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Baltimore's mayor, noted that although the van driver can see what is going on in the back of the vehicle, there has never been any way to record the action. She says she believes putting cameras in the vans will make it easier for both the public and the police to understand the procedures used in transporting suspects.

Baltimore's police officers are about to start using body cameras, and the van cameras would be in addition to these. The city undertook a pilot program of the body cameras, and is now negotiating a contract with Taser International Company to equip the department.

The department is also working out rules for operating the body cameras. A draft of the proposed policy written last October specified when an officer must use the camera, as well as how the recording will be stored and accessed, but there were no consequences for officers who failed to comply. In Laurel, an officer who fails to operate the camera could face disciplinary action, and Mayor Rawlings-Blake said similar rules are being considered in Baltimore.

City officials might like to work with a postcard printing company on a card for residents to explain their efforts to make policing safer for everyone.