Rockford to use state grant for police-car dashboard cameras

ROCKFORD, Ill. (AP) - A state grant will help the Rockford Police Department equip all its squad cars with dashboard cameras.

The Rockford Register-Star reports the agency received a $200,000 grant from the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board.

Police Chief Dan O'Shea says he will seek city council approval for all newly purchased squad cars to be equipped with cameras that turn on when an officer activates emergency lights.

O'Shea says the cameras add about $6,000 to the cost of a vehicle. The total vehicle cost is about $50,000.

The chief says it's "very important technology" which protects officers, citizens and captures criminal activity.

The grant will pay for retro-fitting existing squad cars with cameras. About two dozen squads already have them.