Indiana city becomes latest to require cameras on officers

PERU, Ind. (AP) - A northern Indiana city has become the latest community in the state to require police officers to wear body cameras.

The Peru Police Department implemented its body-camera program last week after its Board of Works approved policies detailing the cameras' use.

The Kokomo Tribune reports that officers must now wear a camera at all times and record every encounter they have with a citizen in the city of about 11,000 residents.

Officials say the cameras will decrease resident complaints, use-of-force incidents by police and help the city avoid costly lawsuits.

Peru Police Chief Mike Meeks says the department began considering using body cameras a few years ago, but pressed ahead after Indiana lawmakers passed new guidelines on their usage.

Peru is located about 70 miles (112 kilometers) north of Indianapolis.

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Information from: Kokomo Tribune, http://www.ktonline.com