Wilkinsburg police officers will soon be wearing new state-of-the-art body cameras, thanks to more than half a million dollars in federal funding.
The new cameras are an upgrade from the older models the department currently uses and can be turned on automatically under certain circumstances.
“It has triggers built into the system so that events are not missed,” Wilkinsburg Police Chief Ophelia Coleman said. “For instance, if a taser is activated, it will then activate the system.”
The drawing of a firearm or baton also can trigger camera activation, officials noted.
Coleman joined Mayor Dontae Comans and the two lawmakers who helped secure the funding — U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio, D-Aspinwall, who represents the 17th District, and U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa. — at a Monday news conference to announce the $514,000 allocation, which will allow the department to buy a system that utilizes the latest digital technology.
The new system can link multiple cameras and connect to the department’s recently upgraded in-car camera systems, providing more video from critical incidents. This can help build trust and accountability in the community, officials said.
Officers should have the new cameras in about two months.
To learn more, read Oliver Morrison’s story on the WESA website.
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