Holcomb announces body cameras for state troopers, creates cabinet position for equity and inclusion

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb says Indiana State Police troopers should have body cameras by next spring.

Holcomb made the announcement as part of a speech about equity and inclusion.

“What I’ve laid out today are actions in a broad effort to make sure Indiana is a place where every Hoosier has an equal opportunity and access to achieve our founders’ vision of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” Holcomb said. “Achieving that vision requires we address root causes and remove barriers that have built up for centuries.”

He says the intention is to have body cameras on all troopers by spring of 2021. In total, there will be about 700 cameras. The initial cost estimated at $5 million and annual maintenance and data storage at $1.5 million. The plan will need legislators to approve funding and there may be a “philanthropic gift” to make the initial camera purchase.

There will also be a third party review of state police and law enforcement curriculum and training involving use of force, deescalation and implicit bias training.

The governor also announced a new cabinet-level position. The first chief equity, inclusion and opportunity officer for state of Indiana will report directly to the governor. The job will focus on strategies, tactics and plans for diversity inclusion and opportunity.

The state will also create a public disparity data portal to show how state programs are or are not working.

Below is the entire news conference from Gov. Holcomb. App users can go online to access it.