Federal Funds Provide 620 New Squad Dash Cams

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- More than 100 Minnesota law enforcement agencies are getting new tools that will help them do their jobs while also holding them accountable.

On Thursday morning, they showed off the gear and gave a demonstration of how the dashboard cameras will work. The cameras use new digital technology that will hold up to 36 hours of video.

The average cost per squad is about $4800. Police say the equipment will help the public as much as the officers.

"This is a tool that's goes both ways. This is a tool that holds our officers accountable but also a tool that can help officers become more safe. If there are complaints against officers we have video evidence because the video isn't going to lie about what took place and that can either exonerate or make sure an investigation goes forward," said St. Paul Police Chief Bob Smith.

In all, 134 city and county law enforcement agencies are getting in-car cameras for their squads. A total of 620 cameras will be provided through a federal program.

Officers with the Corcoran, Minnetonka and Roseville Police Departments, as well as Isanti and Scott Counties, are among those receiving the cameras.