IMPD Holds First Public Meeting on Body Cameras

INDIANAPOLIS--Police in Indianapolis want to know what you think about their officers getting body cameras. The first of six public meetings on that topic was held Monday. 

The goal is to identify attitudes, expectations and concerns about them.

After reviewing practices of more than 70 police agencies and other organizations like the ACLU, IMPD decided the body cameras will be turned on with every run and encounter, but in some cases, an officer will be able to them off. Those cases will typically involve a person’s privacy or cases of sensitivity. 

On Monday night, City-County Councillor Jefferson Shreve said learning from other cities already using body cameras could work to IMPD’s advantage. 

“Some of the rookie mistakes have been made. We can learn from those without repeating them,” Shreve told WISH TV. 

“It will make a difference in public safety. … We’ve gotta figure this out,” Shreve continued. 

The department is hoping to run a pilot program over two months and test cameras.   

The next public meeting is tonight at 5:30 at the Irsay Family YMCA at CityWay, 430 S. Alabama St. 

(PHOTO: WISH TV)