Joe Nicholson, Intermin City Manager for the City Of Newport, has suggested after reviewing a recent Council Resolution that the Newport Police Department roll out a body worn camera pilot program.
Council Resolution 2015-57 “Investigating Body Cameras” was originally introduced by Councilor John Florez in May of 2015.
While originally reluctant to the proposal, Interim City Manager came to the conclusion to recommend the city move forward with a target date of July 2016 of a pilot program in an eight page memo that was shared with members of Newport City Council on Monday, January 11th.
The start up cost of the 10 camera program is estimated to cost less than $18,000. Each camera costs approximately $1,000 and data storage has a cost.
City officials are expected to host a meeting to discuss community impact, long-term cost, policy and procedures and privacy before rolling out the program.
