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Tallahassee Police Department Begins Trial Period For Body Cameras

Tallahassee Police Department website
Credit Tallahassee Police Department website

Tallahassee Police Department may soon be jumping on the trend of body cams as the organization begins a trial period.

Tallahassee Police Department will conduct a 30-day trial period for a new body cam system that will become required for all officers. The “Axon” body-worn cameras will be distributed to six police officers and will be used to test the system’s digital processes.

Damon Miller Junior, spokesman for the Tallahassee Police Department, says the system is an upgrade from the cameras used on officers in the traffic unit.

“Our traffic unit has had body cameras for quite some time. But, this Axon camera system that we’re testing is a new and improved system that is, I guess through our training department has looked at, and they feel that it may be feasible for us to use that system here at this time based upon our needs,” Miller says.

TPD reminds citizens that officers are not required to inform them that they are being recorded, but offers an email to request footage.

The project is funded by a federal grant the department received in November.

Copyright 2018 WFSU

Andrew Quintana is a senior at Florida State University pursuing degrees in Communication Studies and Editing, Writing, & Media. Before entering WFSU's newsroom, Andrew worked with V89 Radio's News and Continuity department and interned as a staff writer for Haute Living Magazine. He enjoys Razzie nominated films and collects vinyls that are perfect for ultimate frisbee. Follow Andrew Quintana on Twitter: @AndrewLQuintana