
WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 24: Washington DC Metropolitan Police Officer Debra Domino wears one of the new “body-worn cameras” that the city’s officers will begin using during a press conference announcing the details of the program September 24, 2014 in Washington, DC. The MPD’s use of the cameras is intended to accurately document events, actions, conditions, and statements made during citizen encounters, traffic stops, arrests, and other incidents with the city’s police officers. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Virginia's most populous county is moving ahead this week with its plan to outfit police officers with body-worn cameras.
Fairfax Police Chief Edwin Roessler said the first phase of the three-year program to outfit officers with cameras begins on Friday. Officers, prosecutors and public defenders have all been training on how to use the system.
That first phase begins with more than 400 cameras being put into service. Plans call for similar numbers of cameras to be phased in for each of the next two years.
Year one of the project costs about $4.3 million. Finishing the program over the next two years will require an additional $6.7 million.
We've got the news you need to know to start your day. Sign up for the First & 4Most morning newsletter — delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up here.
Roessler warned future funding could be delayed because of budget woes caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
County officials say the cameras will promote transparency and build trust with the community.