SARASOTA, Fla. -- Sarasota commissioners unanimously voted on Monday to spend nearly $4 million on body cameras for police officers.
The money will buy 122 cameras that will automatically activate whenever an officer pulls their weapon. An activated camera will also turn on the other officer's cameras who are nearby.
"It's going to be able to gather evidence. It’ll vindicate police officers out on the streets. It’ll allow us to see if our officers need additional training," said Bernadette DiPino, Sarasota Police Chief.
Chief DiPino says this is an effort to keep everyone involved accountable.
"I think the more that we can see what’s happening, the more questions that will be answered. It’s about transparency and that’s what our community wants, expects, and that’s what we’ve always had as our mission," said DiPino.
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The chief says they will likely begin using the cameras in July of next year.
