Body cameras coming to Frankfort Police Dept.
FRANKFORT, Ind. (WLFI) – The Frankfort City Council has approved more than $20,000 in funding for 31 body cameras, one for each officer.
According to the Frankfort Police Department, the benefits of the cameras more than make up for the cost.
“I don’t really notice it,” said Frankfort Police Officer Corey Cronk. “I just kind of do my own thing and act like myself. It doesn’t really change who I am, or how I carry myself or conduct myself.”
That’s the feed back from Cronk after he tested out one of six brands of body cameras the department is considering.
It’s part of a process that Deputy Chief Glenn Talbot said began in August – a process, Talbot said, will keep officers and the public safer.
“I don’t think small towns are immune to big town crimes,” said Talbot. “I would hate to think that we missed an opportunity to gather on a particular crime that could have been solved as a result of a body camera.”
Talbot said he’s been working on a department policy which dictates how and when the cameras will be used.
However, more than the officers opinions are being taken into consideration.
“We’re listening to the citizens to find out what their expectations are in the hopes that the policy that governs our officers,” Talbot said. “And how they wear them are in accordance with the feelings of the public.”
According to Talbot, the cameras will be turned on in any situation when an officer has contact with the public. All recordings will be kept for a certain number of days, so the department can review the video in the event of an investigation.
“I want to investigate things as thoroughly as I possibly can – for everybody’s sake,” said Talbot. “A body camera would certainly aid me in that aspect.”
Talbot said he hopes to have the policy written by the end of January. Then the police chief and board of works must approve the policy. After that, the cameras will be purchased and officers will receive training. He said officers could have the cameras as early as March.
That’s something Cronk says he’s looking forward to.
“It will show that we are doing a good job,” said Cronk. “I will be able to show proof, you know. We do have good, positive contact with the public.”
Although most of the public’s feedback has been positive, Talbot is still asking for the community’s opinion. Frankfort residents can provide input by emailing Talbot at gtalbot270@frankfort.in.gov.
