Antioch police cameras getting upgrade

There's nothing like having an extra set of eyes, especially for a police officer.

In-squad video cameras have been standard equipment for the Antioch Police Department. But the current cameras are old and unreliable, and the chief has decided it's time for an upgrade.

The department is spending almost $25,000 to replace the video cameras in four of its squad cars. Police Chief James Foerster says the purchase is money well spent.

"The cameras are a critical part of our law enforcement work," he said.

The new digital models will replace the current antiquated VHS versions. The money comes from the $100 surcharge the department receives from each DUI conviction. Foerster said there were more than 100 DUI convictions in 2008.

Cameras in the department's other five squad cars will be replaced in the next two to three years.

Foerster said the squad car cameras are useful in myriad situations, ranging from training new officers to the successful prosecution of DUI cases.

"Any traffic stop can go bad," Foerster said. "The video recordings are important to demonstrate that the officer uses only proper and necessary use of force if they need to make an arrest."

The recordings also can be used in court, Foerster said.

"When the officer performs a field sobriety test, that tape can be essential in getting a conviction," he said.

The images also have been used to settle disputes between drivers and the police department.

"There have been times when we've been accused of treating someone unfairly," Foerster said. "People will complain about how the officer treated them. But when they see the incident for the second time on tape, they'll often change their minds."