Lombard seeks grant for cop-car cameras

Cameras have found their way into retail stores, public transit stations, even parking lots — and some day they may be in Lombard police cars.

But cameras won't be coming to squad cars in the near future, after the village board on Thursday directed the police department to research whether a grant could help fund the equipment.

Trustee Zachary Wilson said he brought forward the idea of installing cameras in police cars for use during traffic stops because video recordings could provide evidence in DUI cases and help with officer training.

“I think it's a valuable tool,” Wilson said. “Most important, it protects the public, and that's what I'm all about.”

Lombard Police Chief Ray Byrne researched the upfront costs of installing video cameras in the village's 23 patrol vehicles and found it would be “expensive” — $145,048 — not including ongoing maintenance or the purchase of any extra cameras to serve as backups.

The high cost of camera installation caused some trustees to doubt whether it should be a priority.

“I don't have a problem with the cameras, putting them in. It's the cost that's a roadblock to me,” Trustee Greg Gron said. “There are more pressing issues with the police department than putting cameras in that can only be used at traffic stops.”

The police department has four vacant positions that have not been filled for budget reasons. Gron and Village President Bill Mueller said hiring more officers would be a better way to increase the safety of Lombardians.

“We should spend money where it's cost-effective,” Mueller said. “I don't see where this (camera installation) is cost-effective.”

Trustee Laura Fitzpatrick suggested purchasing a smaller number of cameras — possibly 10, the number needed to equip vehicles that patrol overnight when DUIs are most likely to occur — as a money-saving solution.

But at about $6,400 a unit, purchasing 10 cameras still would be pricey, Mueller said.

Mueller asked Byrne to come back to the village board if a grant becomes available, or if a change in conditions makes having onboard cameras vital to protecting public safety.

Gron and Trustee Keith Giagnorio said they did not support onboard cameras. But Fitzpatrick said she saw no problem with looking for ways to pay for them without dipping into the general police budget.

“I have no problem with trying to get this funded through a grant or running a test,” Fitzpatrick said. “Anything that aids in the retrieval of evidence is a positive thing.”