WAUSAU, Wis (WSAU) Wausau Police are considering placing body cameras on all of their officers. It does not come in response to any specific incident within the department, but is part of a growing trend towards police transparency and accountability. Police chief Jeff Hardell tells WAOW NewsLine Nine supports the change.
Wausau PD is experimenting with three different body-cams. One is a square camera that straps onto an officer’s chest. Another model is mounted behind an officer’s ear. A third type attaches to a small strap on the shoulder of an officer’s uniform.
Chief Hardell says storing the data that a camera records is another expense for the program that the City Council would have to fund.
Wausau PD has received donations to start the pilot program. Chief Hardell says the city might have to spend an additional $20,000 to $30,000 a year to keep it going. If the pilot program expands, the body cameras would become required equipment for all Wausau officers.