Buffalo Grove police gearing up for new body cameras

Buffalo Grove police officers will be equipped with body cameras later this year, more than 12 months before a state deadline requires it, under a deal recently approved by the village board.

The 10-year, $1.4 million agreement with Axon Enterprise includes vehicle cameras and interview room cameras, as well as bodycams.

"We are excited about this technology," Buffalo Grove Police Chief Brian Budds said. "It's going to make a high-level professional department be that much more professional."

Scottsdale, Arizona-based Axon also will provide digital evidence storage and software.

Brett Robinson, the village's administrative services director, said the department already has vehicle and interview room cameras in place, but they are at the end of their useful life.

Village officials said staff reviewed pricing for a five-year and a 10-year agreement, and determined that the village can save more than $103,000 under the longer deal.

Body cameras will be replaced every 30 months, while fleet camera equipment will be replaced midway through the 10-year agreement.

Under state law, all law enforcement agencies must equip officers with body-worn cameras by Jan. 1, 2025, depending on the size of the community they serve.