While Decision Months Away, TPD Could Get First Ever Federal Grant For Body Cameras

WFSU | By Sascha Cordner

Published May 17, 2017 at 4:57 PM EDT

Tallahassee Police have to wait until the end of September to find out if they’ll receive their first ever grant for more officers to wear body cameras. The federal grant is expected to cost $675,000.

So far, seven motorcycle patrol officers wear body cameras and there are some dash cams in police officer cars. But, Tallahassee Police Chief Michael Deleo is hoping for more officers to wear the cameras.

“I’ve been trying to get them,” said Deleo, during a Tuesday night forum. “We’re waiting to hear back from the Department of Justice about a body camera grant. The fact is…body cameras are behavior modification for everybody, right? If I’m feeling a little grumpy that day, it makes me be a little bit more polite. But, the fact is that the body camera is recording the citizen. So, the citizens realize they’re on camera too. So, it does work both ways as far as behavior modification if there’s a need for that. But, the fact is body cameras are that neutral recorder of events.”

While the Leon County Sheriff’s office has not yet begun to officially use body cameras, a spokesman says Sheriff Walt McNeil is interested. But, he wants more research and data done on the issue.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner .