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St. Petersburg PD to begin using body cameras

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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla- — The St. Petersburg Police Department says they will begin rolling out its "body-worn cameras" today Thursday, December 10.

The first squads began training earlier in the week, with the first officers with cameras hitting the streets December 10.

"It will take 4-6 weeks to get all the officers through the training and issued a body camera. In-car cameras will also be part of the program. These will take longer to install in 360 patrol cars and should be completed in 2021."

The department purchased a total of 575 body cameras. They released the 5-year cost breakdown as follows:

  • Year 1 total costs: $2.6M
  • Year 2 total costs: $1.03M
  • Year 3 total costs: $1.03M
  • Year 4 total costs: $1.03M
  • Year 5 total costs: $1.03M
  • Grand Total 5 Year Costs: $ 6.75M

The cameras are designed to automatically record, with a 30-second pre-roll, anytime an officer removes their gun or taser from the holster.

The department says officers will also be required to manually activate the camera for the following circumstances:

  • Traffic stops
  • Pedestrian stops
  • Crimes in progress
  • Vehicle pursuits
  • Suspicious person/vehicle contacts
  • Arrests
  • Vehicle searches
  • Anytime currency/valuables are handled
  • Physical or verbal confrontations
  • Domestic violence call
  • DUI investigation
  • Foots pursuit
  • Advising an individual of their Miranda warning
  • Use of Force during
  • Building clearances
  • Any situation or incident that the Officer, through training and experience believes should be recorded.