Police officers in Providence to begin wearing body cameras
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Police officers in Providence will soon begin wearing body cameras.
Democratic Mayor Jorge Elorza and public safety officials announced the launch of a pilot program on Thursday.
Officers will begin wearing the cameras this month.
Police chief Col. Hugh T. Clements Jr. says the program will help the police department be transparent. He says he's striving to bridge a gap between officers and the community.
The city is testing cameras from two companies.
Ten officers from the uniform and investigative divisions will wear one set of cameras for 30 days, followed by a similar trial with the second set of cameras.
The city says additional funding would be needed to fully implement the program, about $1 million over three years.
The cost includes buying the equipment and storing the videos.
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