Springfield police introduce body cameras

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Eight Springfield police officers are now wearing body cameras.

The (Springfield) State Journal-Register reports (http://bit.ly/2ayYjbN ) the cameras were unveiled this week. They have high-definition video, a 142-degree field of view, work in low light, have Wi-Fi, a 12-hour battery and a magnet that keeps them affixed to the front of uniforms.

Police Chief Kenny Winslow says police studied the idea for two years. They tested several models, including one mounted on a pair of glasses.

The department will spend $137,000 this year and $127,000 annually for the cameras and operations.

Winslow says about two dozen more cameras will be introduced every few weeks until all 165 officers have one. He says he'll go slowly to monitor issues that might arise.

___

Information from: The State Journal-Register, http://www.sj-r.com