Hopkinsville police will soon join law enforcement agencies across the U.S. requiring officers to wear body cameras on their uniforms.
Deputy Police Chief Michael Seis says the HPD began considering the move late last year and felt now was the right time to incorporate the equipment.
He says 60 officers will wear the cameras, including police and animal control.
The department will be using VIEVU L3 cameras which will cost $816.08 each. Seis says a $63,371.60 order will be placed for 70 cameras to allow for a few spares.
The city approved the purchase in its new budget and the department is seeking state and federal grants to help fund the buy.
Officers wearing the cams will be trained on how and when to activate the device and how to download the video.
Seis says the order will be placed July 1st and expects officers to start wearing the cameras within the next 4 to 6 weeks.