Minneapolis Police To Start Wearing Body Cameras

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Thirty-six police officers in Minneapolis will start wearing body cameras next week as part of a pilot program to test out their effectiveness.

Mayor Betsy Hodges and Police Chief Janee Harteau announced the pilot Thursday. The officers testing the cameras will start wearing them in the field Nov. 7. After a review, officials expect to begin issuing body cameras department-wide in late 2015.

Hodges says the cameras will enhance transparency and accountability. She says body cameras have been shown to decrease both the use of force and complaints about excessive force.

Harteau says the cameras will increase the department's integrity and protect officers from false claims.

The pilot is expected to last up to nine months. The officers will test different products to see which works best.