The Amarillo Police Department will soon begin employing the use of body cameras, reports The Amarillo Globe-News.
On Tuesday the Amarillo City Council approved the use of 11 body-worn cameras to be used by the department’s motorcycle unit.
Amarillo Police Col. Kenneth Funtek said the program is a trial; the department hopes to eventually expand the use of the cameras to the entire patrol division, an initiative that would require the purchase of approximately 220 cameras.
It’s currently unclear, however, when that full expansion might occur. “Funding is obviously a challenge,” Funtek said. He noted that many police departments across the country have yet to switch to cameras.
Nevertheless, all 10 members of the motorcycle unit will soon begin wearing the cameras, in addition to the unit’s sergeant.