Minneapolis Police Department gives update on body camera program

The Minneapolis Police gave an update on the start of body camera use, which soon will be expanding to another precinct.

On Tuesday afternoon, Minneapolis Police Chief Janee Harteau, Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges and officers who have worn the cameras gave a press conference.

Hodges spoke in favor of the cameras, saying body cameras have reduced use of force complaints and become a crime-fighting tool in other cities.

Each officer at the 1st Precinct has their own camera, totaling up to more than 100 cameras. Chief Janee Harteau said the 4th Precinct will receive cameras this week and all officers will have them by October.

The body cameras are required for traffic stops and whenever police are making an arrest, though one officer said he did not mind having the camera on for other stops.

Adopting the use of body cameras came to light after the police shooting of Jamar Clark.

Harteau also mentioned that the recent choice to assign two police officers per vehicle will continue. So far there has not been a credible threat against MPD.

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