Changes are coming to the North Port Police Department. Officers have just started testing out body cameras.
Sgt. Scott Smith has been a proud police officer for more than 20 years. But Thursday, he felt like a rookie.
“For a new officer coming out of the police academy, this is going to be their life from day one. For guys like myself who have been around for a while, this is a major change,” said Sgt. Smith.
He is one of 10 North Port police officers testing out these brand new body cameras.
City commissioners had asked the department to conduct a 30-day trial after hearing many requests from the community.
“Technology has brought us to a point where the commission is like, ‘yes, we need this.’ This is a great tool to use to protect our officers, to protect our citizens,” said city commissioner Jill Luke.
Officers will record any calls for service. It has practical uses, it can help in solving cases, but the department says this will bring added transparency and more trust with the public.
“We have guidelines, we know how we’re supposed to behave and we behave the same whether we’re recorded or not,” said Sgt. Smith.
City commissioners are excited about the program and are looking toward full implementation. It would cost taxpayers about $225,000 a year.
“In today’s world, everybody has a camera on them. You have a camera on you right now. Why wouldn’t we have a camera on us right now,” said Deputy Chief Chris Morales.
After the trial, city commissioners will discuss the future of body cameras in North Port at their next meeting.