CPD Continues to Push for Body Camera Funding

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Depending on the outcome of a grant from the Justice Department, Chattanooga police officers could be receiving up to 140 new body cameras.

The department currently has about $50,000  in funds to buy up to 50 cameras, and have already started field testing a few for the past six months now. Department officials also put together a policy, outlining usage and public access to video, which was presented before city council members Tuesday afternoon.

“When done well and done professionally,” said Chief Fred Fletcher, “This will make us a better more progressive, and truly a 21st century police department.”

The department’s size, which right now includes more than 480 officers, could also make the camera program expensive and complicated to get started.