CA-LAPD Gets Cameras -- Officers, Community Welcome New Tool

[MyAmerica]

LAPD Gets Cameras -- Officers, Community Welcome New Tool

New America Media, News Report, Kenneth Kim, Posted: Jun 07, 2008

Editor's Note: City officials and community activists have been asking for the cameras for almost two decades. The data collected from the cameras may help the LAPD comply with a federal consent decree requiring efforts to prevent racial profiling. Kenneth Kim is a Los Angeles based reporter for New America Media.


LOS ANGELES -- After 17 years of delay, Los Angeles is finally moving ahead with a plan to install in-car-video cameras in its police department’s patrol cars – aiming to improve accountability and to earn public trust.

L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa announced Thursday at a press conference in the Police Academy that the Los Angeles Police Department would install cameras in about 300 cars in its South Bureau, which covers the most violent and diverse part of the city.

The first phase of the project would cost the city $5 million. If the system works as designed and the City Council agrees to allocate enough funds in coming budgets, cars in the LAPD’s three other bureaus will be equipped in following years. The estimated price for the total project is about $20 million to $25 million.

“Technology such as a new digital in-car camera system is just equipment these officers need,â€

[agrneydgrl]

Yoiuve got to be kidding. Cameras to prevent racial profiling. What a joke