Lawrence PD unveils bodycam system
LAWRENCE, Ind. (WISH) — The city of Lawrence has entered into an agreement to bring body cameras to the police department. Lawrence signed a five year deal with Utility Body Worn Cameras.
The city will use money from the public safety tax to fund the $60,000 project every year. The contract will provide officers with a cell phone that has been redesigned for camera use only.
Squad cars will also be decked out with cameras in front and rear. Two Lawrence officers will test the product out this month, and all 44 officers are expected to have them by late September or early October.
The cameras have 4K resolution and live streaming capability. Video footage will be stored online. According to Lawrence Police Department Chief David Hofmann, the manufacturer is providing the department with free online video storage.
Police departments across the country have said in recent days that they want body cameras, but the storage fees for video were too expensive for departments to afford.
“The storage cost is a massive aspect of this whole project. We have unlimited storage at no additional cost,” Hofmann explained.
Under state law, police departments must store video for at least 190 days.
On August 23, LPD is scheduled to showcase the cameras in more detail.
