Critics wary as Everett OKs body camera program for police

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

EVERETT — Everett police officers are to get body-worn cameras, technology that city officials say makes people safer and builds trust, but others worry the devices only protect law enforcement and infringe on privacy.

After a pilot program this year, the Everett Police Department is ready to purchase 150 cameras for officers in uniform who often work with the public.

On Wednesday the Everett City Council unanimously approved having Mayor Cassie Franklin sign a grant agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice for $300,000. That money helps cover startup costs in the program’s first year. Over five years, the annual cost for data storage and maintenance, licensing and software is estimated at $270,000, which the city will pay for out of its criminal justice fund.

“I think it will be well worth the cost,” said Janice Greene, president of NAACP of Snohomish County.

https://www.heraldnet.com/news/critics-wary-as-everett-oks-body-camera-program-for-police/

[Hoyt]

1. I think body cameras are a necessity nowadays. The small town paper could have come

up with a better headline. Don't think the critics are so much against the body cameras, but how the video might be released.