Springfield officials considering body cameras for police

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Springfield officials are considering a budget request to purchase body cameras for the police department.

The State Journal-Register (http://bit.ly/1EqIU1j ) reports the devices were discussed Tuesday at the Springfield City Council meeting. Police Chief Kenny Winslow is proposing the city seek bids for 165 body cameras and a storage and management system, which he estimates will cost around $270,000.

The Springfield Police Department has begun evaluating three types of body camera systems and various storage options that sync the devices to technology inside squad cars.

Winslow says the goal is to have all Field Operations Division officers outfitted with the cameras by September, but the move could come sooner if legislation is already in place.

Police departments across the county have been contemplating the purchase of body cameras following the shooting death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri.

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