PITTSBURGH (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) - By early next year every Pittsburgh police officer and detective will be equipped with a body camera and taser. Pittsburgh council is giving preliminary approval to a nearly $11 million contract for AXON 3 cams and AXON 7 tasers.
"When our officers pull out their weapon or taser it will activate their camera. It will activate any camera within 35 feet," according to Pittsburgh Police Chief Scott Schubert.He says the cameras are technologically advanced from what officers use now. Police can upload a live picture to a command scene. The cameras also have picture stabilization if an officer is running. Schubert says if AXON comes out with better technology over the five year contract the city will get that update for free.The city will purchase 950 body cams and 950 tasers. Schubert says detectives who have not had them before will also be equipped."We see how video is being used in sports, whether it be baseball or football now. And it's only right to do when peoples' lives are on the line," according to Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich.The new devices are expected to arrive in January.
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