DETROIT – The Detroit City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a $5.2 million contract with a company that would supply every police precinct with dozens of officer body cameras and in-car cameras.
The contact with WatchGuard calls for every precinct.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said the city will implement 1,500 body cameras and 450 in-vehicle cameras.
In June, DPD will deploy the first 50 body cameras and 20 vehicle cameras in the 4th and 7th precincts. This 60-day assessment of the new system will be to assess its functionality in real-world conditions and be done at no cost to the city. Full deployment will begin in August and is expected to be completed within 14 months.
The new system will provide three different points of view (officer’s point of view; front of patrol vehicle; back seat).
“When we are finished with this project, the City of Detroit will have one of the most transparent police departments in the country,” Duggan said. “The community should be very proud of what Chief Craig, his officers and City Council have accomplished today.”
"Our goal is to build a police department where all interactions between officers and citizens are recorded," said Duggan. "Full transparency is the best way to build trust."
Related - Detroit police chief: We're 'taking back neighborhoods, one at a time'