AUDIO: IMPD Installing Cameras in Patrol Cars
Source: Indianapolis Metro Police / IMPD Social Media
INDIANAPOLIS — You hear police and police unions call for more resources, but those resources aren’t just officer numbers or firearms.
Indianapolis Metro Police are in the process of installing 1,400 cameras inside their patrol cars. Around 200 have been installed so far, and the rest are on the way, says Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett.
“It (camera program) demonstrates our collective commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in the resources that support our police officers,” said Mayor Hogsett during a Wednesday press conference.
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The cameras are paid for using $591,000 of IMPD’s budget. The same camera system program also covers body worn cameras which often produce the videos you see after police shootings. There will be a forward-facing camera, and a camera pointed towards the back seat to keep an eye on suspects or detained individuals.
These are the key features, provided by IMPD:
- Standby Mode: Cameras are always in a standby state, ready to record.
- Activation: Video and audio recording can be activated manually, by lights/sirens, computer-aided dispatch (CAD), or holster sensors
- Video Recording: Includes 30 second pre-record feature, ensuring critical moments are documented
Transparency and accountability are not the only reasons behind the camera program, says Chief Chris Bailey.
“It will remind the public just how challenging the law enforcement profession can be,” Chief Bailey explained Wednesday, “and showcase the situations our officers find themselves in, day in and day out. These cameras will also showcase the great works our officers do every single day. I believe several more critical incidents last year…there would’ve been a better story told had we had these in the car at that point in time.”
